Philippine chili lovers pay more as siling labuyo prices soar in rainy season

The price of siling labuyo, a small and very hot chili pepper widely used in Filipino cooking, has surged to as high as PHP800 ($13.60) per kilo in Metro Manila this September. The Department of Agriculture (DA) said heavy rains and flooding have sharply reduced supply. Just weeks earlier, siling labuyo sold for PHP550 ($9.35) per kilo in mid-August and PHP350 ($5.95) in late July.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department is exploring new supply sources to stabilize prices and possibly provide cheaper chili through Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets. However, he admitted current supply remains very limited.

Reports show that continuous rains reduced production in Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Bicol. In some regions, farmers planted less chili, while in others, crops suffered from persistent flooding.

To address the issue long term, DA officials are pushing for investment in greenhouses, rain shelters, and better drainage systems to protect chili crops during the rainy season. Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa added that research and development, as well as identifying alternative planting areas in Mindanao and Visayas, could help secure a more stable supply.

As of September 3, retail prices in the National Capital Region ranged from PHP400 ($6.80) to PHP800 ($13.60) per kilo, with most markets selling at PHP700 ($11.90).

source: pna.gov.ph

photo: nolisoli.ph