A P2-billion allocation for high-value crops under the 2026 national budget is expected to help stabilize the supply of siling labuyo (small chili pepper) and address recurring price spikes, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said.
In a statement, Pangilinan said the surge in chili prices, with siling labuyo reportedly reaching as high as P1,000 per kilo, is largely due to supply constraints during the rainy season.
“Basic kasi: Pag maulan, konti ang suplay, kaya mataas ang presyo (It’s basic: during rainy season supply becomes limited, which is why prices go up),” he said.
Pangilinan said more than P2 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 budget to support the production of high-value crops such as chili, noting that the allocation backs Department of Agriculture (DA) measures to curb price volatility.
He said these interventions include expanding planting areas beyond traditional producing regions such as Bicol, protecting crops from weather disruptions through greenhouses and proper storage facilities, and improving the timing of planting and harvesting.
“Suportado natin ang mga solusyon ng DA —magtanim sa mas maraming lugar, gumamit ng greenhouse at tamang imbakan, at i-timing ang pagtatanim at pag-aani (We support DA’s solutions —plant in more areas, use greenhouses and proper storage, and properly time planting and harvesting),” he said.
Pangilinan said a more deliberate approach to planning in seeds, infrastructure and crop programming, coupled with regular public updates on supply and prices, would help temper volatile food costs and protect consumers.PNA
