DA imports 3,000 MT of onions to stabilize prices

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. addressed concerns about onion importation and assured local farmers that the volume is less than the actual deficit.

Laurel emphasized at a Palace press briefing on Monday that he is focused on managing the situation as DA chief, not as an importer or farmer himself, noting data from the Bureau of Plant Industry revealing a 7,000-ton shortage in February's onion supply.

On Wednesday, Laurel urged traders and farmers to bring initial harvests directly to local markets instead of cold storages to prevent price surges, with full harvest expected only by mid-March.

The DA authorized the importation of 4,000 metric tons (MT) of red and white onions to prevent potential price increases during peak season; however, actual imports booked are only 3,000 MT as traders are cautious about nearing local harvest.

Laurel assured that retail prices should not exceed PHP200 per kilogram and hoped for a drop in prices once imported onions arrive.