4th Garlic Festival focuses on nat'l garlic self-sufficiency

Written by Administrator on 02 April 2026

(Lifted from the Ilocos Times)

City of Batac - The urgent drive for national garlic self-sufficiency took center stage at the opening of the 4th Garlic Festival on March 26, 2026 at the MMSU Research, Development, and Extension grounds, which gathered farmers, researchers, government officials, and entrepreneurs for a two-day celebration.

Organized by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) alongside the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Philippines (TTM), the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, and other partners, the festival aimed to serve as a platform for promoting local garlic and strengthening partnerships and unity among the stakeholders in the name of advancing Ilocos Norte and the country’s garlic industry.

As a staple in the festival, booths were set up by participating Ilocos Norte towns, featuring their local garlic produce and other crops. Contests were also held by the organizers, where farmers, MMSU students and faculty, and other participants actively participated.

In her keynote speech, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, represented by Director Joseph Manicad of the High Value Crops Development Program, stressed the need for the country to address the challenges facing the garlic industry.

“With its favorable agro-climatic conditions and deep-rooted tradition in garlic cultivation, Ilocos has established itself as a center of excellence in garlic production. However, while we recognize these strengths, we must also address the evolving challenges faced by the sector, including climate variability, rising production costs, and increasing market competition,” Manicad said.

For MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., despite being responsible for the bulk of the country’s local garlic production, Ilocos Norte still has a long way to go to fully realize its potential, which he said needs to be unearthed.

“At the local level, Ilocos Norte may create some impact because our local farmers can earn income in rural communities, but its impact on the national level remains very limited. Our province has a very big potential, and we need to unearth that potential,” Manzano said.

Data from the university’s Garlic Research Center and other sources corroborate the finding that the country’s production meets only about 5% of annual garlic demand, while 95% is met through importation. With the stark disparity between local garlic production capacity and demand, Manzano said much work is needed to ensure that local produce, particularly native Ilocos Norte varieties, can compete with internationally sourced garlic.

At present, MMSU’s Garlic Research Center works closely with partner institutions such as the TTM, led by its project leader Mr. Eric Chen, to elevate local garlic production and salability. Together, the two institutions lead the research on local garlic varieties and operate demo farms in Ilocos Norte and Batanes.

Among those who expressed their support for the event through their messages were CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, Takara Inc. President Kimio Takarada, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Deputy Representative Gen. Michael Lee, Ms. Katsura Yamauchi of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, represented by OIC Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Teresa Bacnat, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Jopseph M. Manotoc, represented by provincial board member Joefrey Saguid, and Batac Mayor Mark Christian “Markee” Chua.

Other partners were also present, adding to the event’s significance. In attendance were representatives from the DA Regional Field Office 1, Director Gilbert Rabara, and Medardo Pablo. Dr. Leilanie Pelegrina, Joel Norman Panganiban, and Engr. Brian Rasco represented the Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Mary Ann Baradi represented the PhilRice Batac; Winlei Castillo represented the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services; and. Reginald Yadao represented the Office of the Provincial Agriculture of Ilocos Sur.

Following the opening program, a press conference was held at the Crops Research Laboratory Conference Room, where panelists from MMSU and its partners and stakeholders clarified questions from the media.

In closing the program, research director Dionisio Bucao said “it is noteworthy to know the limitations, concerns, and challenges that hinder our garlic production. Let us use this knowledge to address these challenges.” (Ian Paul Villanueva)

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