The provincial government of Laguna has raised the alarm on the alleged proliferation of imported (read: smuggled) onions allegedly being sold in public markets in the province.
In an advisory dated April 8 but was released on social media on April 23, Governor Ramil Hernandez ordered all local government units (LGUs) in the province, as well as local agricultural offices, to conduct "close monitoring" of all agricultural produce being sold in public markets.
Hernandez made the advisory after the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist received reports of imported onions being sold to local markets and in different online platforms.
The provincial government noted that as per the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the national government no longer issues permits for the importation of fresh onions.
"Also, fresh vegetables from China such as carrots and cabbages are not yet allowed to be imported, as these are yet to require market access to the country," the advisory read.
Hernandez requested LGUs and other authorities to immediately report to the BPI instances of suspected smuggling and sale or storage of smuggled vegetables.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #Smuggling #SmuggledOnion