Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and nonprofit Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation (Philsurin) are developing high-yielding sugarcane varieties and disease-free seeds for Negros farmers.

A 10-hectare seed farm is planned, including hybridization and ripening sheds.

Coca-Cola Foundation chair Antonio del Rosario says, "We believe in the important work of increasing productivity of small sugarcane farms through advanced research and technologies and improving the welfare of farmers."

Philsurin director general Maria Regina Martin says, "A good crop starts from a good seed ... Even if there's less land ... as long as we can increase productivity through high-quality seed canes and proper training on good farming practices, we can help assure the continuing livelihood of sugarcane farmers and support local sugar production." INQ