Manila: A PHP2-billion allocation for high-value crops under the 2026 national budget is expected to help stabilize the supply of siling labuyo (small chili pepper) and address recurring price spikes, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said. In a statement Wednesday, Pangilinan highlighted the surge in chili prices, with siling labuyo reportedly reaching as high as PHP1,000 per kilo, as largely due to supply constraints during the rainy season.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan emphasized that more than PHP2 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 budget to support the production of high-value crops such as chili. This allocation aims to back Department of Agriculture (DA) measures to curb price volatility. Key interventions include expanding planting areas beyond traditional producing regions such as Bicol, protecting crops from weather disruptions through greenhouses and proper storage facilities, and improving the timing of planting and harvesting.

Pangilinan expressed support for the DA's solutions, which involve planting in more areas, using greenhouses and proper storage, and properly timing planting and harvesting. He emphasized that a more deliberate approach to planning in seeds, infrastructure, and crop programming, coupled with regular public updates on supply and prices, would help temper volatile food costs and protect consumers.