Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured the stability of supply and prices of local red onions 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, De Mesa highlighted that the current stock of local red onions stands at 8,494.99 metric tons as of January 17. He emphasized that the inventory is expected to last until February, thanks to last year’s harvest stored in cold facilities. “Ang expectation kasi natin, tatagal hanggang January, February, iyong na-harvest since last year na nasa mga (We expect that the harvest last year will last until January or February, those that are in our) cold storages,” he stated in an interview.

De Mesa reassured the public by explaining that the timing of the incoming harvest aligns with the depletion of current stocks. “Mag-timing lang din. Pa-ubos ‘yung sibuyas mo pero parating naman iyong harvest mo (It’s just timing. Your stocks are about to run out and your harvest is set to arrive),” he mentioned, noting a promising yield in onion-planted regions. The peak harvest season for local red onions is anticipated from January to March, alleviating fears of price surges.

As of Monday, the price of red onions in Metro Manila fluctuates between PHP100 and PHP180 per kilogram, as reported by the DA Bantay Presyo (Price Watch).