Philippines: DA exploring veggie importation, sourcing from other regions to beef up NCR and Luzon supply

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) is investigating strategies to increase the supply of vegetables in Metro Manila and Luzon areas hit by consecutive storms, which have led to high vegetable prices. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) is tasked with finding ways to stabilize prices, potentially by sourcing vegetables from other regions. If necessary, the DA may import vegetables, which would be a first in a long time. The DA is also monitoring the significant price increases of various vegetables in Metro Manila markets since October.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it is looking into various strategies to augment the supply of vegetables in Metro Manila and several cyclone-hit areas in Luzon to ensure stability of prices following the series of weather disturbances that hit the country. At a press briefing in Quezon City, DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa told reporters that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has tasked the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to explore ways to stabilize the prices of both highland and lowland vegetables in the capital region and other areas in Luzon. “Because the price of vegetables has been persistently high,” he said. Among the strategies being considered were “to check supplies from other regions” or “importation.” However, De Mesa said that the “priority is to get vegetables from other regions so that there would be no need to import.” De Mesa said that the BPI, in particular, was directed to determine the volume and type of ...