Gov’t urged to balance red onion prices, protect farmers

Malacañang on Friday stressed the need to manage the rising cost of red onions in a way that safeguards both consumers and local farmers.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that even with ample supply, the high price per kilogram continues to pinch households. “Even if the government takes steps to ease the burden on consumers, there could also be negative effects. So, this must be balanced,” she said.

Castro added that measures should be taken to prevent buyers from being overly burdened while reaffirming the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to support local farmers during the price surge.

The maximum suggested retail price for red onions was recently raised to ₱150 per kilogram, reflecting slightly higher import costs and an increase in landed prices from ₱60 to ₱80 per kilogram. 

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that price hikes in major supplier countries such as China, Poland, and India prompted the adjustment from the previous ₱120 per kilogram cap.