DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. sought to reassure local farmers about onion importation, emphasizing his commitment to managing the situation effectively.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But I’m here to manage, I’m not a farmer, I’m not an importer, I’m the DA secretary and here to manage the situation,” Laurel said at a Palace press briefing.
He urged farmers not to worry, saying, “Mahirap naman na wala akong gawin, hayaan na lang maghintay ako ng sitwasyon na kung kelan ba talaga magha-harvest ng farmers.”
Laurel noted a 7,000-ton deficit in onion supply this February and importation was a “tactical” move, assuring that the government would only import a limited quantity to bridge the gap.
The DA has also emphasized that imports are scheduled to arrive before peak harvest to minimize their impact on local farmers.
However, Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) Executive Director Jayson Cainglet argued that while they do not oppose importation, now was not the right time.
He pointed out that some farmers have started harvesting prematurely, fearing a drop in farm gate prices once imported onions enter the market. (GMA Integrated News)
