DA to Launch First Onion Research Center in Nueva Ecija to Boost Local Production

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to establish the Philippines’ first onion research and extension center, aiming to boost local onion production and reduce dependence on imports.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the center will be located in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija—known as the country’s onion capital. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the onion industry and empower farmers.

To fight the recurring threat of army worms, the DA also pledged to double funding for pheromone lures, allotting up to ₱5 million. Additionally, the department will begin sourcing higher-quality onion seeds to help farmers improve their harvests.

“Our goal is clear—achieve self-sufficiency in onion production, cut imports, and raise farmer incomes,” Tiu Laurel emphasized.

According to 2024 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Central Luzon’s 12,726.11 hectares of onion fields yielded 158,088.41 metric tons—nearly 60% of the national supply. Bongabon alone contributed around 15% of the country’s total onion output.

While national onion production rose by 4.48% in 2024 to 264,323.89 metric tons, it still fell short of the estimated 270,000 metric tons needed to meet domestic demand.

Onion prices have historically been volatile, with a sharp spike in 2022 when prices soared to ₱700 per kilo amid supply issues and delayed imports.

According to the Bureau of Plant Industry, monthly consumption stands at about 17,000 metric tons for red onions and 4,000 metric tons for white onions.