The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved the importation of red and white onions to ensure adequate supply ahead of the local harvest season.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions will be imported in the next two weeks. The move aims to prevent a repeat of the 2022 onion crisis, which saw prices soar to an unprecedented PHP 700 per kilo due to supply shortages and delayed imports.
“The importation of these onions is a preventive measure to secure buffer stocks while waiting for fresh harvests,” Laurel stated. “We cannot risk a supply shortfall, as unscrupulous traders might take advantage and drive prices up, just as we’ve seen before.”
According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Philippines consumes approximately 17,000 metric tons of red onions and 4,000 metric tons of white onions monthly. As of mid-January, warehouse stocks stood at 8,500 metric tons for red onions and 1,628 metric tons for white onions.
The red onion supply from last year’s harvest is projected to last until February, just before the next harvest cycle begins.
BPI Director Glenn Panganiban emphasized that while industry meetings have assured the DA of sufficient supply, a minimal importation was recommended to curb potential price spikes. He noted that recent typhoons, pest outbreaks, and plant diseases have threatened local production.
“This importation serves as a contingency plan,” Panganiban said. “Harvest projections indicate that fresh onions will start coming in this month, with around 33,000 metric tons expected in March.”
DA said it wants to stabilize food prices and prevent another onion supply crisis that could impact Filipino households.