Vegetable prices continued to rise in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, as the holiday season pushed up demand while farmers struggled with limited supply after last month’s storm.
Based on prices at the Mangaldan Public Market as of December 8, 2025, bell pepper, potatoes, and cabbage increased by up to ₱20 per kilo. Chayote doubled to ₱120 per kilo, while Benguet or Baguio beans, a common ingredient for pansit, climbed to ₱500 per kilo. The prices per kilo are the following:
- Potatoes - P70-90
- Carrots - P70-80
- Bell Pepper - P150-170
- Chayote - P100-120
- Cabbage - P40-60
- Benguet/Baguio Beans - P500
Vendors said stocks of Benguet beans are now scarce in Urdaneta City’s Bagsakan Market, which has left Mangaldan sellers with no supply.
Dorita Evaristo, a vendor, said the high prices are difficult for both sellers and buyers.
“Mahal talaga ang presyo ngayon, sobrang taas lalo na nag-beans, sobrang taas,” she said.
Officials from the Benguet Farmers and Vendors Association said the limited supply traces back to the effects of #UwanPH, which hit in the second week of November 2025. The storm damaged many highland crops, especially Benguet beans and sweet peas.
“Talagang mahirap mamunga ang Benguet beans, nalagas kasi ang bulaklak ng beans noong huling bagyo,” association official Rex Sanio said.
Prices of native vegetables also increased slightly. Tomatoes now cost ₱90 per kilo, while eggplant and string beans are at ₱120 per kilo. Okra sells for ₱80 per kilo.
Shoppers say they now buy only small amounts to manage their budget.
“Mahal talaga pero tingi-tingi na lang muna ang bilhin namin ngayon,” Jomar Rosario, a shopper, said.
With Christmas and New Year approaching, market officials expect prices of several vegetables to continue rising due to higher demand paired with reduced supply.
