The Department of Agriculture (DA) has confirmed that chili prices in the Philippines have increased sharply with the onset of the "ber" months.
According to DA's Bantay Presyo (price watch), the maximum retail price of local chili or siling labuyo in Metro Manila reached about PHP800 (US$13.60) per kg on September 3. This compares with PHP550 (US$9.35) per kg on August 15 and PHP350 (US$5.95) per kg on July 25.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said additional supply options are being considered to stabilize prices. "Maybe… but there's not much supply. We are looking at supply options," he told the Philippine News Agency in a Viber message. He added that successive weather disturbances have reduced production. "Production is really down, due to rains and floods," he said.
A report shared with the PNA stated that the surge is "primarily driven" by the rainy season, creating a "supply gap" in key growing regions. Reductions were reported in Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Bicol. In Ilocos and Central Luzon, fewer farmers planted chili, while in Bicol, rainfall hampered cultivation and lowered yields. The report emphasized investment in "protected cultivation technologies (rain shelters, greenhouses, and improved drainage), better crop scheduling, and supply chain interventions."
Assistant Secretary and DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa noted that greater focus on research and development could help mitigate these recurring supply shortages. "R&D will greatly help, especially in off-season planting of chili and other solanaceous crops that are very vulnerable during the rainy season," he said.
He added that greenhouse production could reduce the impact of heavy rains. "Chili is very seasonal and does not thrive well during the wet season," he explained.
As of September 3, chili prices in the National Capital Region ranged from PHP400 to PHP800 (US$6.80–13.60) per kg, with a prevailing price of PHP700 (US$11.90) per kg.
The DA is also studying alternative production zones for the off-season. "We will look into areas less affected by heavy rains, such as Mindanao and Visayas, so chili can be delivered to areas with high demand," de Mesa said.
Source: PNA