Author: Jake Zuniga

Course & Section: Political Science (PSC32)

Subject: Political Economy
Professor: Mr. Jumel Estrañero
University: De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

PHILIPPINE GOLDEN ONION: A CASE WHERE PRICE HIKE BECAME MORE

EVIDENT CAUSING EVERY FILIPINO TO SUFFER AND CREATING GRUDGE
TOWARDS ECONOMIC SYSTEM
-- AS OF JANUARY 2023 --

As another year begins, many manifestations have been discussed and many
hypothetical situations have been raised as a result of the country's recent events, particularly
on its economic movement, which increases the suffering of middle and lower classes due to
constant price hikes on the market. The unexpected price hike on the Philippine Onion, which
was one of the major problems as 2023 arrived, was cited as evidence that this year is another
"golden era" in terms of market system. As the year started with a newly elected president,
lawmakers claimed that this is an “accountability” of the current leader as he is also the
secretary of Agriculture. According to some online articles, price increases are partially a result
of external factors. Food prices are being pressured worldwide as a result of global inflation,
which has many causes including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, supply chain hiccups, and
extreme weather events. A short background, one of the most significant crops in the nation is
the onion. Its widespread use and medicinal benefits, particularly in treating a variety of
physiological disorders like hemorrhoids, constipation, and menstrual discomfort, account for
its popularity. It is also thought to have aphrodisiac properties. Onion is a significant crop that
gives farmers in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Ilocos a good source of income. This led to
the conclusion that the problem is not only with how the Filipinos blame the administration
and how the country imports and export products, as the main issue was a lack of support for
farmers and a lack of land for production. The citizens are calling, if at all possible, the
Department of Agriculture (DA) must assist farmers who lack the financial resources to support
themselves during crop production, as well as with technology. The government will also
consider farmers' concerns, particularly regarding product marketing. In this matter, offering
constructive criticism is preferable than destructive criticism.