Name: EJ Ilano Ontawar

Course & Section: PSC31

Subject: Political Economy
Professor: Sir. Jumel G. Estrañero

What we know so far about ‘out of control’ rise in onion prices

The continuous strong importation of agricultural products highly affects the daily living of the
Filipinos. As a country whose economy has an agricultural backbone, it is ironic how the
Philippine government gives more attention to the trading system than strengthening the
agriculture sector. This decision defines the current administration and its priorities, which
clearly shows that agriculture is not one of its top priorities. Recently, it has been reported that
one of the most used  and staple vegetables of the Filipinos, Onion, has continuously increasing
prices. According to the Department of Agriculture, as of January 10, prices of white and red
onion ar being sold to Php 400-600 per kilogram (Baclig, 2022). This price hike is not only a
current issue in the Philippines, but a government problem and a severe problem within the
country. This issue alone could branch out to more problems in the future such as staple products
being smuggled illegally in the country and prioritizing imports rather than the farm sector,
risking the agriculture of the Philippines and its sector. Staple products being a problem in
Philippine society goes to show how the economy and the living state of the citizens residing in
the country is at stake. 

Baclig, C.E. (2022, January 10). What we know so far about 'out of control' rise in onion prices.
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