Egay to drive up vegetable prices – DA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expecting retail prices of vegetables to rise due to the impact of Typhoon Egay.

DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Kristine Evangelista yesterday said the agency continues to monitor 13 wet markets in Metro Manila.

Evangelista said that while the increase is expected, the DA would make sure that the adjustment is reasonable.

“We all know that typhoons affect prices in the markets. But we are ready to help in the logistical side, as it becomes a challenge, causing movement in the retail prices. We are coordinating with the vendors so they are aware when prices move, and how much is acceptable,” she said.

Based on monitoring of the DA, the retail price of carrots reached P250 per kilo; cabbage, P160; Baguio beans, P120; potatoes, P150; pechay Baguio, P120; sayote, P70; bitter gourd or ampalaya, P130; string beans, P130; squash, P60; eggplant, P120 and tomatoes, P120 per kilo.

Retail prices of onions reached P200 per kilo at the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City, and between P140 and P180 per kilo in other Metro Manila markets.

“All the stocks of onions were in the hands of the traders and we are monitoring the cold storage. We continue to find ways to bring down the retail prices of not only onions but also other commodities,” Evangelista said.