68th Philsutech convention opens today

August 24, 2022

(L-R) Philsutech Overall Convention Chairman Noli Segovia with spouse Lyn, Corporate Secretary & Admin Officer Haydee V. Rivera, Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya’s Chief of Staff Franz Tionko and President Jose Ma. Valmayor and spouse Kristin Marie cut the ribbon for the opening of the Philsutech product exhibit at SMX Convention Center yesterday.*

The Philippine Sugar Technologists Assn., Inc. (Philsutech), an organization of sugarcane technologists and sugar industry stakeholders in the country, opens its 68th Annual National Convention today at SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City.

Sen. Migz Zubiri has been invited to deliver the keynote address, while Acting Sugar Regulatory Administrator Dave Alba is expected to address the assembly tomorrow.

Gov. Bong Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez are expected to welcome the delegates, while SRA Deputy Administrator Atty. Ignacio Santillana will deliver a report on the sugar supply and demand situation, as well as on other industry updates.

With the theme “Adaptability for a Sustainable Philippine Sugar Industry in the Changing World”, the convention is a much-awaited event in the sugar industry. This is the second consecutive year that the gathering has been conducted in Bacolod city, the heart of Sugarlandia, after 17 years of being held in Cebu City.

Hundreds of sugar industry leaders, technologists, technology providers, farmers, traders and millers are expected to participate to update their knowledge on the latest industry technologies and developments. Delegates come not only from the Philippines but also from other sugar-producing countries.

The convention features keynote messages from government officials and industry experts who can apprise stakeholders on issues affecting the industry, as well as our usual product exhibits, technical presentations, and the awarding of the Search for the Best Technical Paper, the Don Carlos L. Locsin Award and the Outstanding Sugar Practitioner Award.

Tomorrow’s activities include the conferment of the Don Carlos Locsin Award, the highest award in the industry conferred on a person for exemplary achievements, contributions and service to the sugar industry, and the launching of the 2022 Edition of the Revised Chemical Handbook. Initially prepared by Philsutech in 1994 and revised in 1997, the handbook has become a bible of sorts for entry level professionals in the industry.

Yesterday, the product exhibit officially opened. Seventy exhibitors feature technologies, products and services which are used in the industry, such as equipment and supplies utilized in the mills, ethanol distilleries and biomass power generation, as well as farm machineries and equipment, fertilizer and other farm inputs.

The Philsutech convention also serves as a venue for stakeholders to renew friendships and enjoy the warm camaraderie of colleagues in the industry. A friendly golf tournament was held at Marapara Golf Club yesterday, followed by the fellowship cocktails and exhibitors’ night at SMX. Tomorrow’s activities will be capped by a gala night and the conferment of the Outstanding Philsutech Member Award.* (Butch Bacaoco)