THE fourth staging of the garlic festival on March 26 to 27, 2026, at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Research, Development, and Extension grounds in Batac, Ilocos Norte, highlighted the need to promote local garlic production.
The two-day event was organized by the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Philippines (TTM) and the Ilocos Norte provincial government.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, represented by Director Joseph Manicad of the department’s High Value Crops Development Program, emphasized the need for the country to address challenges facing the garlic industry, including climate variability, rising production costs, and increasing market competition.
“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,” Manicad said.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. said that despite being a major garlic producer, Ilocos Norte’s impact at the national level remains limited.
“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 percent of annual garlic demand, while 95 percent is sourced through importation.
Manzano said this shows that much work is needed to ensure that local produce, particularly native Ilocos Norte varieties, can compete with imported garlic.
The festival also featured booths showcasing local garlic produce and other crops from participating Ilocos Norte towns. Contests were also held, with farmers, MMSU students and faculty, and other participants actively participating.
Manzano said that the MMSU Garlic Research Center is working with partners like TTM to elevate local garlic production and marketability. The center operates demo farms in Ilocos Norte and Batanes, and conducts research on local garlic varieties.
“It is noteworthy to know the limitations, concerns, and challenges that hinder our garlic production. Let us use this knowledge to address these challenges,” Research Director Dionisio Bucao said.
