THE town of Lubang in Occidental Mindoro can emerge as a key supplier of native garlic that can reduce the country’s reliance on imported stocks.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Lubang garlic stands out for its quality and strong aroma, characteristics that give it a strong market potential. Because of those traits, the cultivation of Lubang garlic is under study.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said increasing domestic garlic production supports the national food security agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to raise farm productivity and ensure a stable food supply for Filipino families.
He added that the DA is studying possible interventions, including the provision of farm machinery, irrigation support, quality planting materials, and other assistance that can help farmers increase their harvests.
“Developing the garlic industry in Lubang is expected to create more income opportunities for farmers while helping meet demand for locally grown bulbs,” Laurel said.
To raise yields, the DA is looking at possible interventions for island farmers.
The agency said these include access to farm machinery, irrigation support, quality planting materials, and other assistance aimed at helping producers increase harvests.
It said that the focus is on giving growers the inputs and infrastructure needed to scale up production without losing the variety’s distinct qualities.
With its reputation for quality and aroma, Lubang garlic is seen as a crop that can anchor the development of a larger island-based industry.
Lubang Mayor Michael Orayani said that if the garlic industry in the island municipality is supported with machines, irrigation, and certified planting material, “local production could be increased to supply more markets while providing farmers with a higher-value commodity.”
For now, the DA said it continues to assess interventions that can boost output, protect variety quality, and link Lubang growers to wider markets as part of the push to strengthen the local garlic industry.
Earlier this month, the localities of Lubang and Looc also received P2.8 million worth of assistance from the DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The assistance package included vegetable seeds, hybrid rice seeds, coconut seedlings, fishing gear, boat engines, and cash aid intended to improve farm and fishing productivity in two towns.
The local farmers and fishers also said they need an ice plant, additional payao or fish aggregating devices, and support for corn and rice production.