The prices of tomatoes in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte has reached P220 per kilo due to limited supply and damage caused by typhoons in 2024.

Vendors in Ilocos Norte report poor quality and low supply as key reasons for the price hike.

As of this writing, the farm gate price in the province is at P180 per kilo.

In Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, farmers like Reynaldo Santos have taken extra measures to protect their crops. Santos tends to an 8,000-square-meter tomato farm.

“Nakaunang harvest na at nasa P200 per kilo ang presyo ng kamatis,” Santos said.

In Cabanatuan City, wholesale prices at Sangitan Public Market range from P130 to P180, depending on the size and quality of the tomatoes.

These are distributed to markets in Metro Manila, Cavite, and other provinces.

Farmers and vendors remain hopeful that prices will drop in February as more farmers are expected to harvest their produce.