Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Thursday that it is actively exploring supply options as local chili, or siling labuyo, prices continue to skyrocket with the onset of the 'ber' months.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA's Bantay Presyo (price watch) reported that the maximum retail price of chili in Metro Manila reached PHP800 per kg as of September 3. This marks a significant rise from the PHP550/kg peak price recorded on August 15 and PHP350/kg on July 25. In response to questions about the possibility of cheaper chili being sold at Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. indicated that this could happen once additional supply sources are secured. "Maybe. but wala rin supply masyado (there's not much supply). We are looking at supply options," Tiu Laurel conveyed in a Viber message to the Philippine News Agency.
The price surge is attributed to a reduction in production due to successive weather disturbances, which have caused rains and floods. A report shared with the PNA highlighted that the rainy season has created a "supply gap" in major chili-producing regions, including Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Bicol. These areas have experienced continuous rains leading to fewer farmers planting chili in Ilocos and Central Luzon and persistent rainfall hampering cultivation in Bicol.
The report emphasized the need for investment in "protected cultivation technologies (rain shelters, greenhouses, and improved drainage), better crop scheduling, and supply chain interventions." Meanwhile, Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated that greater investment in research and development, particularly in greenhouse technology, could help address the perennial problem of chili price spikes caused by its "seasonality."
He explained that greenhouses could mitigate waterlogging in plantations, enabling chili production even during the off-season. "Very seasonal kasi ang sili, hindi sila masyadong nagta-thrive kapag tag-ulan (Chili is very seasonal and does not thrive well during the wet season)," he noted. As of September 3, chili prices in the National Capital Region (NCR) ranged from PHP400 to PHP800 per kg, with a prevailing price of PHP700 per kg.
In addition to research and development, de Mesa mentioned that the DA is considering identifying alternative planting areas for chili during the off-season. Currently, most chili supply comes from Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Southern Tagalog. "Titingnan natin yung mga areas na hindi masyadong inuulan, kagaya sa Mindanao at Visayas, para mapadala dito sa mga areas na malaki ang demand (We will look into areas less affected by heavy rains, such as Mindanao and Visayas, so chili can be delivered to areas with high demand)," he stated. De Mesa emphasized the importance of ensuring a steady supply given the growing demand for chili among consumers and restaurants, particularly during the 'ber' months.
