The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Batanes together with the Department of Agriculture High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) met in Itbayat, Batanes on April 23, 2025 to discuss ways to enhance garlic production and improve market support for our hard working farmers.

Governor Marilou Cayco highlighted the unique quality of Batanes garlic and emphasizes the need to establish stable market linkages, especially for small-scale producers facing challenges with inconsistent buyers. The proposal for the establishment of a cold storage facility was also discussed to manage excess produce of garlic and vegetable crops, ensuring freshness and efficiency while reducing post harvest losses.

Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero shared valuable insights on the national garlic situation, emphasizing the urgent need to boost local production since the Philippines currently relies heavily on imports.

Batanes garlic stands out for its distinct characteristics, making it a promising product for both local and wider markets. To support this, the Department of Agriculture is reviewing production data and working closely with the Itbayat Garlic Producers Association, which currently has 75 active members cultivating around 80 hectares.

There is also a strong push to develop the entire value chain from production to processing and market integration to utilize rejected garlic for other purposes. Financing options and direct contracting opportunities are also being explored to link producers with buyers, especially those from Pangasinan Province requiring garlic for their famous “Daing na Bangus.”

The DA- Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) is likewise tasked to provide intensive capacity building trainings on pest management to address the grave challenge of infestations, particularly garlic thrips to further boost garlic production in the area.

Additionally, DA-RFO II Itbayat Satellite Station will launch bamboo and coffee agroforestry projects in 2025 to promote sustainable farming and provide added income for local farmers.

These collaborative efforts among the local government units, national agencies, and farmers mark a significant step toward to strengthen Batanes Garlic Production ensuring a solid support system to alleviate our farmer’s plight and eventually improve the quality of lives of Batanes farmers.