MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos has criticized the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) plan to import 4,000 metric tons of onions, warning that it could hurt local farmers who have already begun harvesting.

“Nagsisimula nang mag-ani ang ating mga magsasaka, pero eto na naman ang importasyon! Hindi pa ba tayo natuto? Tuwing may anihan, bagsak ang presyo! Bakit ngayon pa mag-iimport, na alam nating ikalulugi ito ng mga magsasaka?” Marcos said Monday.

She argued that there is no need for importation, especially at a time when farmers are already struggling.

“Hindi na kailangan ‘yang importasyon na ‘yan. Papahirapan pa natin ang ating mga magsasakang naghihikahos na?” she added.

Marcos also called for stronger local production and action against hoarding, which she said has been manipulating onion prices, similar to what happened in 2022.

“Puro tayo import, pero walang aksyon sa hoarding! Kahit tambak ang sibuyas, kung may nagtatago sa cold storage, tataas pa rin ang presyo!” she stressed.

The imported onions are set to arrive on February 20. Marcos urged the government to ensure that the move does not harm Filipino farmers.

“Bago magpasok ng dayuhang sibuyas, siguruhing hindi pinapatay ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka,” she said.

The DA has yet to respond to Marcos’ concerns about the planned importation.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Thursday last week that he approved the importation of red and white onions, which are set to arrive in the next two weeks.  

He explained that 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions will be imported to maintain enough supply while waiting for the new harvest. Laurel stressed that the move aims to prevent a shortage that could allow traders to manipulate prices, similar to what happened in 2022.  

Back in 2022, onion prices soared to P700 per kilo due to a supply shortage worsened by import delays.  

According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Philippines consumes about 17,000 metric tons of red onions and 4,000 metric tons of white onions each month. After a good harvest last year, the red onion supply was expected to last until February when the next harvest season begins.  

As of mid-January, BPI reported that stocks stood at 8,500 metric tons for red onions and 1,628 metric tons for white onions.