Manila, Sept. 4 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said it is exploring supply options as prices of local chili or siling labuyo continue to soar in local markets with the onset of the "ber" months.

According to DA's Bantay Presyo (price watch), the maximum retail price of chili in Metro Manila reached PHP800 per kg. as of Sept. 3.

This marked a steep increase from the PHP550/kg. peak price recorded on Aug. 15 and PHP350/kg. on July 25.

Asked whether cheaper chili could soon be sold at Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this would be possible once additional supply sources are secured.

"Maybe... but wala rin supply masyado (there's not much supply). We are looking at sup...