The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has advised the public to purchase only what they can afford rather than buying red onions by the kilo, as the price continues to rise. The price of red onions currently ranges from PHP500 to PHP750 per kilo, according to DA's price monitoring on markets in Metro Manila on December 28.
The high demand for red onions due to the holiday season and low supply are cited as the main reasons for the price increase. The DA has previously predicted that local farm output of onions will not meet the expected demand for the last quarter of the year.
However, the DA is unable to issue an import permit to increase the onion supply in the country due to reports of smuggling. Some social media users have criticized the DA's suggestion, calling for proactive measures from the government to lower the cost of food supply.
DA Deputy Spokesperson Rex Estoperez defended the agency's suggestion, stating that they cannot issue an import permit due to concerns about the impact on local farmers. Estoperez added that they will reassess the situation in January and February, when the "picking season" begins, and decide on further actions if necessary.
As of December 29, the Philippines still maintains its rank as having the most expensive red onions in the world, according to a global price monitoring website. Some social media users have reported that even purchasing red onions by the piece rather than by the kilo is still expensive.
A vegetable vendor told dzBB that a small piece of onion sells for PHP20. Sociologist Ash Presto expressed frustration with the situation, stating that the DA is "shifting all the burden to individual people" without providing a plan to address the issue.
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