In line with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) vision of increasing the sufficiency level of onion in Ilocos Region and enhance potential earnings of onion growers, the DA-RFO I through the High Value Crops Development Program initially distributed a total of 25 metric tons of onion shallot bulbs to various LGUs in the province of Ilocos Sur.

Held at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on September 1, 2022 the distribution ceremony was led by Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias Singson.

Out of the 50 metric tons allocation for the province, 25 metric tons has been delivered and subsequently distributed to 9 farmer cooperatives during the actual distribution. The remaining 25 metric tons will still be delivered within the month for distribution to the other seven (7) farmer cooperatives.

With the 25 metric tons distributed, it is expected to yield about 300 metric tons of shallot onion and another 300 metric tons additional harvest from the remaining 25 metric tons planting materials set for distribution once delivered by the supplier.

Using the roll-over scheme of project implementation, the DA turned-over the planting materials to the farmers association who shall manage the distribution and payments in kind of farmer-recipients after harvest with the supervision of the Local Government Units in the province and municipal levels.

The municipalities of Bantay, Cabugao, Caoayan, San Juan, Sta. Catalina, Sto. Domingo Sinait and Vigan City in Ilocos Sur took part in the ceremonial distribution activity.

The Ilocos Region currently ranks 2nd in the production of onion in the Philippines.##
(pictures courtesy of DA-HVCDP)