Manila, Feb. 12 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday urged traders and farmers to bring the initial harvests of onion directly to local markets instead of cold storages to prevent further surges in retail prices.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this will help stabilize prices in local markets while awaiting the peak harvest season and the arrival of "tactical" onion imports.

"Pakiusap sa mga farmers natin at sa mga traders ng onion na itong harvest season, iyong maunang salya ng harvest... diretso na sa market iyong onions na iyon at huwag i-storage (We call on to our farmers and traders of onions during this harvest season, for the initial harvest... to go directly to the market and not in storages)," he said i...