
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured that the supply and prices of local red onions will remain stable with the onset of the harvest season.
DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa made the assurance amid concerns over the local stock inventory which, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), is set to run out by Feb. 1.
De Mesa said that the harvest last year will last until January or February.
He said as of Jan. 17, the stock of local red onion is at 8,494.99 metric tons.
“Mag-timing lang din. Pa-ubos ‘yung sibuyas mo pero parating naman iyong harvest mo,” De Mesa said, citing good harvest in areas planted to onions.
He said the peak harvest season for local red onions spans January to March, thus no reason for the prices to spike.
The DA Bantay Presyo said that as of Monday, the price of red onion in Metro Manila ranges from P100 per kilogram to P180 per kilo.