P-Noy chooses new SRA head

Author/Source: visayan daily star

08/18/2010

Regina "Gina" Bautista Martin is the new head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, DAILY STAR sources said last night.

The sources, who asked not to be identified, said President Benigno Aquino III has signed her appointment papers but that an announcement would be made later. Martin, an Aquino supporter, is managing director of the Asociacion de Hacenderos de Silay-Saravia Inc. in Negros Occidental. She is also president of the SIMAG Foundation, which according to its website, was “established with the vision of transforming sugarcane farms into progressive communities.” It also says that in Silay City and E.B. Magalona, SIMAG has assisted over 7,000 families in the areas of health, education and livelihood. If it is true that Martin has been appointed to the post, she will be the first female head of the SRA, taking over from Bernard Trebol who was appointed to the post during the term of President Fidel Ramos and again by President Glorial Macapagal Arroyo. When reached by the DAILY STAR, Trebol confirmed that Aquino had already chosen his replacement but refused to name the person, saying an announcement would be officially made later. He was informed that appointment of the new SRA head had been signed and he was happy with the person chosen, Trebol said. An official announcement could be made within a week, he added. Trebol said he will continue to help the sugar industry in his private capacity, and the new SRA head as he has done before.*CPG