For onion farmers, a good harvest does not always translate to a good income. When supply peaks and prices fall, they often have little choice but to sell their produce immediately to avoid spoilage. Without adequate storage, they risk losing part of their harvest or accepting lower prices rather than letting their produce deteriorate.
Top Onion Producing Provinces in the Philippines
This is a continuing challenge in Tarlac, which ranked sixth among the country’s top onion-producing provinces based on average production over the past five years, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Despite its significant contribution to the local onion industry, farmers still face difficulties preserving their harvest and managing the timing of their sales amid seasonal fluctuations in supply and demand.
As the agriculture sector prepares for possible impacts of a strong El Niño, facilities that help reduce postharvest losses can play an important role in protecting farmers’ livelihoods.
To help address the challenges of postharvest management, Metrobank Foundation (MBFI), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Manuel, Tarlac, turned over a 10,000-bag onion cold storage facility in Barangay Lanat. Designed to extend the shelf life of harvested onions for several months, the facility allows farmers to store their produce and wait for more favorable market conditions instead of selling immediately after harvest.
The onion cold storage facility in Barangay Lanat, San Manuel, Tarlac, with staff from the Municipal Mayor’s Office awaiting the arrival of guests for the turnover ceremony.
The project began in 2022 as part of MBFI’s commitment to support the government’s priority development programs in agriculture. Recognizing the need to strengthen the local onion industry amid challenges in supply and price stability, the Foundation pledged to build a cold storage facility in partnership with the LGU of San Manuel. The project provides farmers with better means to preserve their harvest, reduce postharvest losses, and manage the timing of bringing their produce to market. Returning for the ceremonial turnover marks the fulfillment of that commitment and a shared effort to ensure the facility is put to good use for the benefit of Filipino farmers.
The facility is also expected to create economic opportunities beyond storage. A financial analysis of the project estimates that access to storage could increase a farmer’s income by 20.82% to 41.63%, By allowing farmers to wait for more favorable prices before selling, the facility can help them capture greater value from their harvest.
Two trucks are also planned to support hauling and delivery services, helping farmers transport their produce from their farms to the facility or directly to their target markets. The project is likewise expected to generate employment during construction and once operations begin.
MBFI and its partners bring together resources and expertise to address community needs and create opportunities for farmers to improve their livelihoods.
For onion farmer Ricardo Paet, Jr., having access to proper storage offers greater assurance that their hard-earned produce can be kept in good condition. He said, “Di po kami mangangamba na mga magsasaka na masisira o mabubulok po yung aming mga produkto.” (We, as farmers, will no longer have to worry as much about our produce getting damaged or rotting.)
For Pagbiagan Multipurpose Cooperative President Eulogio “Ka Toti” Cabiles, the significance of the project extends beyond the immediate benefits to farmers. Onion farming has long been part of his family’s livelihood and a means of providing education for their children. He shared, “Kami po noong bata kami ay talagang mahilig na kami sa pagtatanim ng sibuyas. Ito rin ‘yung pinagkukunan ng aming mga magulang para kami ay makapag-aral. (Dahil dito), ‘yung mga susunod na henersayon, so, napakaganda sa kanila, wala na silang alinlangan.” (When we were young, we were already passionate about growing onions. This was also how our parents earned a living to send us to school. For the next generation, this facility is a great development because they will have fewer worries.)
His experience reflects how agriculture supports not only individual households but also the aspirations of future generations. Strengthening the conditions that allow farmers to sustain their livelihoods is therefore an important part of supporting local communities.
For MBFI, the project demonstrates the value of working with government and community partners to address practical development needs. By bringing together resources and expertise, such partnerships can help provide communities with infrastructure and opportunities that support their long-term growth.
For the onion-growing community of San Manuel, the facility represents more than additional storage capacity. It provides farmers with greater flexibility in managing their harvest, helps protect the value of their produce, and supports the livelihoods of families who depend on agriculture for their future. Through partnerships such as this, MBFI continues to help create opportunities for communities to grow and thrive.
