The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera (DA-CAR) has refuted claims circulating on social media that Benguet farmers are using formalin on sayote, saying the posts are false and damaging to the vegetable industry.
“Hindi sila gumagamit ng formalin, ni hindi nga sila gumagamit ng pesticide. Hindi naman kasi gumagamit ng pesticide sa sayote kasi kahit saan tutubo ’yan, at saka ang mga farmers natin member ng GAP,” Engr. Mirriam Pastor, DA-CAR high value crop focal person, said.
Farmers also dismissed the allegations, noting that if the vegetables contained formalin, they would not rot.
“Kung may formalin sana hindi nasisira ang mga sayote. Ito, tignan mo, sira na,” Bernadette Omaoeng, a farmer, said.
Authorities said they have already identified the person behind the misleading video and are conducting further investigation.
Meanwhile, vegetable traders in Baguio reported that prices of some highland produce have climbed by P10 to P15 per kilo this week due to supply issues caused by heavy rains.
The current prices of vegetables per kilogram at the Baguio City Public Market as of September 18, 2025, are as follows:
- Broccoli - P250-P350
- Cauliflower - P280
- Carrots P150-P230
- Potatoes - P120-P150
- Repolyo - P80
- Wombok - P80
- Benguet beans - P150
- Sayote - P60
Vegetable vendors said sales remain weak.
“Hindi masyado mabenta ngayon, mahina,” Sim Lomidic, a seller, said.
“Mahina na nga ang bentahan tapos mataas pa ang presyo,” Omaoeng added.
The DA assured consumers that despite rising prices, vegetable supply in the Cordillera remains sufficient and there will be no shortage in the coming “ber” months.
