A new era for onion production in Pangasinan begins as the Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bayambang, breaks ground for the construction of a state-of-the-art Onion Cold Storage Facility on December 9, 2024.

With a project cost of P37,402,935.98 under the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), this facility will have a storage capacity of 20,000 bags. It is poised to address longstanding challenges faced by onion farmers, including post-harvest losses, unstable market prices, and the lack of adequate storage facilities—barriers that have hindered the full potential of this thriving sector for years.

Bayambang, widely recognized as a key producer of onions in the Ilocos Region, plays a critical role in supplying onions to local and national markets. The region, with its 214% onion sufficiency level, significantly contributes 21% of the Philippines’ total onion production, which reached 170,000 metric tons in 2023.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, officials emphasized the facility’s far-reaching impact, both on farmers’ livelihoods and the national onion industry.

With its advanced capacity, the storage facility hopes to reduce post-harvest losses by preserving the quality of onions for extended periods. Alongside this, it is also expected to stabilize market prices by allowing farmers to store their produce and sell when prices are favorable as well as empower farmers to negotiate better prices and improve their incomes. The facility will also strengthen food security and market stability, benefiting producers, consumers, and other stakeholders.

Speaking during the event, DA-RFO I Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual highlighted the significance of the initiative: “This facility is not merely an infrastructure project—it is an investment in the future of Bayambang’s farmers and a testament to their indispensable role in ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability in the Ilocos Region.”

The LGU of Bayambang, the project proponent, expressed its gratitude for the DA’s continued support and underscored the transformative impact of the storage facility on the farming community.

By addressing critical challenges and boosting the competitiveness of local farmers, the Onion Cold Storage Facility is expected to propel Bayambang’s onion industry to new heights.

This groundbreaking event reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to uplifting farmers, supporting the agriculture sector, and reinforcing the role of Ilocos Region as a key contributor to national food sufficiency.