Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed on Thursday that he has authorized the importation of both red and white onions, which are expected to arrive within the next two weeks.

“This importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions is intended to ensure we have a sufficient buffer stocks while we await the fresh harvest,” said the DA chief. “We will not risk a potential shortage that unscrupulous traders could exploit to drive up prices, as we saw in the past. We do not want a repeat of the 2022 crisis,” he added.

In 2022, the price of onions—an essential ingredient in Philippine cuisine—soared to a record high of P700 per kilo due to a supply shortage worsened by delayed imports.

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) shows monthly consumption is 17,000 metric tons for red onions and 4,000 metric tons for white onions. The inventory of red onions, following a bumper harvest last year, was expected to last until February, when the new harvest season begins.

As of mid-January, BPI reported that red onion stocks in storage stood at 8,500 metric tons, while white onion stocks were at 1,628 metric tons.

“While we were assured during our consultative meetings that there is still ample supply of onions, BPI recommended minimal imports to prevent major price spikes. Also, due to the typhoons that hit late last year and prevalence of pests and disease, this importation is meant to be a buffer for possible supply gaps. This move is a preemptive measure,” said BPI Director Glenn Panganiban. He said current projections showed several metric tons onion will be harvested this month and around 33,000 metric tons are projected for  March. ### (Photo by DA-AFID)