Manila: Malaca±ang announced on Friday that the government is seeking strategies to address the escalating prices of red onions while ensuring that both consumers and local farmers are not adversely affected. The administration aims to strike a careful balance in its approach to the issue.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted the adverse impact of the price surge despite an abundant supply of onions. During a press briefing, she stated, "Kung marami po ngayon supply ang sibuyas, hindi po ba umaaray tayo? Dahil napakamahal ng kada kilo na sibuyas. Kapag ka po namang gumawa ng paraan ang ating pamahalaan para hindi mabigatan ang ating mga consumer, meron din po namang negative effect. So, dapat binabalanse po ito." (Even if there is a high supply of onions, wouldn't we still feel the pinch because the price per kilogram is very high? Even if our government takes steps to ease the burden on our consumers, there could also be a negative effect. So, this must be balanced.)

Castro emphasized the need for the government to find ways to alleviate the burden on consumers due to the high prices. "So sa ngayon, sabi nga natin mahal ang kilo ng sibuyas, dapat gawa ng paraan para hindi masyado mahirapan ang ating mga buyers, ang ating mga consumers," she added (for now, because the price of onions is high, the government should find ways to prevent consumers from being too burdened).

Despite the challenges, Castro reaffirmed the Department of Agriculture's (DA) commitment to supporting farmers amid the ongoing price surge. The DA has adjusted the maximum suggested retail price for red onions to PHP150 per kilogram, reflecting slightly higher import prices and an increase in landed costs from PHP60 per kilogram to PHP80 per kilogram.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that importers have reported price increases in major sources such as China, Poland, and India, leading to the adjustment from the recently imposed PHP120 per kilogram limit.