In line with the directive of Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel, Jr. to closely monitor onion price movements and ensure the welfare of our farmers in Occidental Mindoro, the Department of Agriculture–MIMAROPA, through Task Force Sibuyas, has intensified its monitoring of farmgate prices in the province.
Based on the latest data from five municipalities in the province, the farmgate price of assorted varieties of red onions was estimated at ₱30–₱45 per kilogram during the past week. Pursuant to the directive of Regional Executive Director Atty. Christopher R. Bañas to help reduce production costs and increase farmers’ income, DA-MIMAROPA continues to implement the following interventions:
- Provision of production inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and other farm support to reduce farmers’ capital outlay;
- Establishment and strengthening of cold storage facilities to extend the shelf life of produce and prevent the immediate sale of harvests at low prices;
- Expansion of market linkages to directly connect farmers with institutional buyers and ensure fair and stable market access;
- Technical assistance on proper onion production and marketing to strengthen farmers’ decision-making capacity; and
- Information drives to provide accurate updates on importation policies and prevailing onion prices to protect farmers from unfair buying practices.
While the Department does not have a direct mandate to impose a price ceiling at the farmgate or market level, it recognizes the concerns of farmers regarding the possible decline in onion prices during the peak harvest season.
In this regard, DA-MIMAROPA continues to coordinate with local government units, buyers, and other stakeholders to ensure orderly trade flows, strengthen market linkages, and protect the interests and livelihoods of our farmers.
“We understand the concerns and the challenges being faced by our farmers under the current onion price situation. While price movements depend on prevailing market conditions, we would like to assure them that we continue to take action to provide the necessary support. At present, our agency does not have a direct mandate to set prices; however, within the scope of our authority and responsibilities, we are doing everything we can to extend assistance and implement interventions that will help ease their situation, ” RED Bañas said.
The Department remains committed to providing timely data, intensified market monitoring, and concrete measures that will support stable and fair income for the onion sector.
