MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) released on Wednesday Sugar Order (SO) No. 6 authorizing the importation of 440,000 metric tons of refined sugar.  According to SO 6 signed by DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, the country shall import 200,000 metric tons of sugar for consumers, and another 240,000 metric tons to be allocated for buffer stock.  The SO 6 indicated the approval of the immediate arrival of the first batch of supplies to alleviate the high market prices of refined sugar.  "For the first arrival of refined sugar, 100,000 metric tons to arrive as soon as possible," it said.  The SO 6 said the second batch of 100,000 metric tons of refined sugar is also expected to arrive before April 1, while the remaining 240,000 metric tons for buffer stock must not arrive "earlier" than the first day of April.