Sugar workers in Negros led by the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros were left dismayed after a series of dialogues with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Agriculture (DA), which culminated in a protest today, August 25, outside Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.

The groups’ first stop was DAR South to call for genuine land reform amid “Tiempo Muerto” or off milling season from May until September.

Sugar workers protest in front of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) South.

The groups then marched toward DA to slam their plan for massive sugar importation while the workers receive measly wages.

Danilo Tabura of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas stated the DA said they could only give the farmers sacks of rice, seeds, and canned food, but those would not be available until September 15.

“We were dismayed by the dialogues with the DA because there was still not concrete plans for helping our farmers and hacienda workers,” he expressed.

Sugar workers hold their placards in front of the Department of Agriculture Region VI office.

The groups also marched to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office to seek a dialogue for livelihood projects for the sugar workers and farmers. However, DOLE turned away the protesting workers.

The workers remained outside the gate to hold a picket protest, laying their demands for just wage and benefits as milling season is expected to resume by September.

Protesting sugar workers were barred from entering the premises of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).


Noli Rosales of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Negros also claim that the recent increase of their daily rate to Php410 for agricultural workers is of little use due to the rising cost of consumer goods.

They also demand that DOLE take action to end the “pakyaw” system, which is still implemented in various haciendas in Negros. Through this system, workers are paid a set amount per hectare of land worked thus they earn even less than the daily rate.

“This is the first time in Negros that we’ve experienced a DOLE regional director barring sugar workers from entering their office. Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. is anti-worker,” Rosales said.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental provincial Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson was a no-show during the scheduled dialogue with the sugar workers, citing a prior commitment.

Despite provincial governor’s no-show, the groups held a picket protest in front of the Capitol to register their calls.

“The provincial government did not face its constituents, the workers and farmers who suffer during tiempo muerto because of lack of jobs,” said Tabura.

The groups called on the provincial governor to face the workers and their issues, including various human rights violations involving the killing of minors and the abolishment of the NTF-ELCAC.

“Aside from the hunger we are experiencing, the military are forcing sugar workers and farmers to surrender themselves [as rebels]. Our fellow farmers are also killed in midnight raids by state forces,” he added.

During the culmination activity, cultural group Teatro Kaling from South Negros performed a tribute to farmers and sugar workers through a dance number.

In a statement released last August 23, KMP Negros stated their calls for increase in wages and benefits, genuine land reform and respect for human rights.