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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Castro slams DA's 'band aid solution' to onion price surge

Castro slams DA's 'band aid solution' to onion price surge

Published Jan 2, 2023 12:55 pm

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro doesn't think that implementing a suggested retail price (SRP) on onions can solve the outrageous price surge for the produce.


"Imposing a suggested retail price (SRP) on onions is at best a band aid solution to the exceedingly high prices of onions in the country," said the Makabayan lawmaker.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering a P250-a-kilogram SRP for red onions based on the recommendation made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting.

"For the short term, government must extend support and subisidies to Filipino farmers to increase their yield and lower production costs. The administration should also put a stop to smuggling as it is killing our local farmers," noted Castro, who is a deputy minority leader in the House of Representatives.

"Based on Anakpawis's compiled news reports from September to November last year, smuggled vegetables believed to come from China, reached a value of P539 million, almost equivalent to the Bureau of Customs' (BOC) report of the value of smuggled agricultural products it seized from January to September this year," she added.

Anakpawis added that the worsening state of smuggling of vegetables has wreaked havoc to the livelihood of farmers, particularly in Benguet where farmers have lost 20 to 40 percent of their orders since 2021.

"But even with this the price of onions continue to soar and smugglers are trying to cash in on this. So for the long term, land should be given to farmers so that the food supplies of our country would be secure and not be dependent on imports," said the teacher--solon.

"The Marcos administration should heed our advice and decisively act to lower the price of onions and other agricultural products. Band aid solutions would simply not do," concluded Castro.

Related Tags

da price surge ACT teachers department of agriculture onions FRANCE CASTRO band aid solution 10222
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