OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Clarification on the trending Facebook post of Mr. Jam Melchor regarding the “disposal of 70 metric tons (mt) of garlic” in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro dated June 17, 2019.
The word “dispose” mentioned in the post was widely misinterpreted by many netizens assuming that the harvested garlic will be “thrown away”. This is not the case.
During the harvest season from April-May, the municipality of Lubang had a total production of more or less 300mt. of garlic and already sold more than 200mt. ahead of Mr. Melchor’s post. The 70mt. tons that was mentioned on his post was the remaining harvest awaiting purchase, according to Elsie Toverada, OIC-Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) of Lubang.
Ms. Toverada also clarified during an interview with Larize Lee of GMA News Online that there is no oversupply of garlic similar to mangoes. In case of oversupply, garlic can be stored, in normal condition, for six to eight months depending on its quality and storage. Hence, throwing away their harvest is not an option even if it is not sold immediately.
To date, there is more or less 10mt. of garlic left, which is not enough to supply all the coming inquiries. Interested buyers could wait until the next season of harvest for orders and contact the MAO.
Mr. Melchor has helped to create awareness regarding our local garlic industry and positively gained support from the local consumers. The Department of Agriculture (DA) thanks him for drumming up market awareness and as a way of advocating support for our local farmers.
We, at the DA, assure the public that we are doing our best in supporting our local farmers not only for production purposes but also in selling their produce by linking them to institutional markets, vendors cooperatives, and processors.
We also hope that the overwhelming support generated for our farmers will not stop today but will continue in the future so that more farmers will be encouraged to produce food for the nation. Let us patronize our local products and always support our local farmers!
ANTONIO G. GERUNDIO, DPA, CESO III
Regional Executive Director
Department of Agriculture-MIMAROPA
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
(02) 927-4350
