Photo courtesy of Leilanie Adriano/PNA
Laoag City hosted a garlic festival on Thursday highlighting the crop’s status as one of the world’s healthiest foods and its use in cooking, condiments, and traditional medicine.
The two-day event in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, is organized by Mariano Marcos State University and the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Philippines. It features competitions, product booths, culinary demonstrations, and a field day showcasing a Taiwan garlic pilot project.
Ilocos garlic, while smaller than imported varieties, remains popular for its distinct aroma and flavor, making it competitive in the local market.
Dr. Dionisio Bucao, MMSU Research Directorate director, said research-based technologies, such as proper nutrition and increased planting density, help local garlic match the quality of imported types.
Bucao added that MMSU supports farmers in improving soil health and using tissue-cultured garlic bulbs, aiming for yields of around 10 tons per hectare. Trials in Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya produced 12 to 14 tons, showing sustainable production is achievable.
The provincial government allocated around PHP2 million for a controlled garlic nursery to provide farmers with clean planting materials and improve productivity.
Government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, and Takara Incorporated in Japan, along with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, pledged continued support for the garlic industry.
Farmer Vicente Bugaoisan of Pasuquin expressed gratitude to organizers for promoting local garlic, noting the crop has been a source of livelihood and pride. Ilocos Norte produces an average of 4,376 metric tons of garlic, representing over 76 percent of national output.
