By Alec Go
The Department of Agriculture (DA) set a P125 suggested retail price (SRP) per kilogram of imported medium and big red onions sold in Metro Manila markets.
DA Administrative Circular No. 5 dated Feb. 6 will immediately take effect for 60 days “unless revised, revoked and/or lifted.”
“[In] order not to aggravate the current difficulties of the Filipino people affected by the pandemic and rising fuel prices, there is a need to guide the consuming public on the reasonable prices of basic necessities in the market,” the circular stated.
The DA cited the rising onion prices which reached P600 per kilogram in December which prompted the agency to issue a clearance for onion importation.
“The DA’s regular monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities provided basis to set the SRP,” it said.
The DA conducted an onion price inspection in some markets in Quezon City on Tuesday, a day before the implementation of the SRP.
Imported onions are sold from P135 to 160 a kilo.
DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said they will “work closely” with retailers and farmers to establish a link and bring down prices.
The implementation of SRP for basic and prime commodities is covered by the Price Act. – With reports from Cleizl Pardilla – gb
