The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reported that the prices of onions and garlic in local markets have remained stable in September and October 2023.
According to Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, the average prices of local onions range from PHP140 to PHP142 per kilogram, local white onions from PHP125 to PHP130 per kilogram, and imported white onions from PHP120 to PHP125 per kilogram. Imported garlic is being sold for PHP125 to PHP140 per kilogram, while local garlic is priced at PHP500 per kilogram.
The DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service has monitored the prices of onions and garlic in Commonwealth, Guadalupe, Las Piñas, Marikina, Mega Q-mart, Muñoz, Pasay, Pasig, Quinta, San Andres, Muntinlupa, and Pritil markets, and found that the prices have remained stable.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who also heads the DA, has vowed to intensify the government’s fight against hoarding and smuggling of agricultural commodities, including onions.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that the agency is regularly monitoring the prices of basic commodities and is committed to providing immediate solutions to any movements in the market value chain.
De Mesa also noted an increase in the prices of other crops, particularly potatoes. He attributed the price hike to typhoons that hit the country in July and August.
However, De Mesa assured the public that the DA is looking into the situation and expects that the production and prices of potatoes will stabilize, considering the incoming supply of crops by the fourth quarter of 2023.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 31, 2023
