Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Negros Daily Bulletin
By Eugene Y. Adiong
Source: http://www.ndb-online.com/april2617/ebm-backs-coke-ban

E. B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon yesterday said he is supporting the industry-wide call to ban Coca-Cola products even as the town already signed a sponsorship deal with the company.

“After our Ugyonan Festival, I will ask the Sanggunian Bayan to pass a resolution supporting the boycott of Coke products in the province,” Malacon said.

The Mayor, however, pointed out that their plan for the annual festival was finalized in January this year including the sponsorship deal with the giant beverage company.

Also the company’s regional sales manager is from the town, he added.

“I am for the boycott as its impact affects our farmers,” Malacon said, adding that he will discuss these with his fellow municipal officials.

He said he plans to impose a ban as long as the other local government units in Negros Occidental also impose a ban.

Earlier, the provincial government called for the banning of products of Coca-Cola during the holding of the annual Panaad Festival.

Sugar industry stakeholders are up in arms over Coke’s use of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) as a substitute for locally produced cane sugar, thus the boycott on its products is still getting more support.

Isabela, Hinigaran, La Carlota and Murcia have imposed a boycott of Coke products during their respective festivals.

Mayors in the province under the Association of Chief Executives (ACE) also passed a resolution supporting the boycott.

Atty. Emilio Yulo, spokesperson of the Sugar Alliance of the Philippines has said that 14 local government units and at least 40 commercial establishments have committed to support the boycott.*(Eugene Y. Adiong)