Manila: The Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) will commence the procurement of local onions starting next week, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday. The initiative is in response to farmers' requests for government intervention to stabilize onion prices ahead of the peak harvest season in March.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, speaking in a Zoom interview, clarified that the FTI's purchasing efforts will focus on both red and white onions. The initiative is set to prioritize major onion-producing regions, particularly Central Luzon and Mimaropa, with a specific emphasis on Nueva Ecija.

De Mesa further elaborated on the regional focus, noting that Central Luzon is the largest source of onions, followed by Mindoro. Other significant onion-producing areas include the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions.

Previously, the DA revealed that the FTI has already arranged for cold storage space to accommodate 50,000 bags of onions, each weighing 28 kilograms. The FTI has assured that the buying prices will be set at levels deemed fair to farmers, aiming to ensure equitable transactions.