The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) Onion and Garlic Research Center, in collaboration with the University Training Department and the NEUST College of Agriculture, convened farmers, researchers, agricultural practitioners, policymakers, students, and industry stakeholders for the webinar, Peeling the Layers: The Raw Reality and Radical Future of Nueva Ecija’s Onion Capital, on June 30, 2026.

The webinar served as a platform to examine the pressing challenges facing the onion industry, explore science- and technology-driven solutions, and strengthen collaboration among farmers, researchers, government agencies, academic institutions, and agribusiness partners in advancing a more sustainable and resilient onion sector.

In her message, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo underscored the university’s commitment to producing research that creates meaningful impact beyond the confines of academia.

“If our research cannot reach them, then who are we really serving?” Dr. Jugo said, emphasizing that universities must develop research that addresses the real needs of communities and provides practical solutions for farmers.

She further stressed that meaningful research extends beyond academic publications, highlighting that agricultural innovations play a vital role in improving livelihoods, protecting farming communities, and creating opportunities for future generations.

Dr. Jugo also cited the university’s Onion Research Program and Roadmap, launched last year, as a continuing framework for strengthening Nueva Ecija’s onion industry through collaborative action.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training Dr. Jean Guillasper described the webinar as timely, citing Nueva Ecija’s significant contribution to the country’s onion production while recognizing the persistent challenges confronting the sector.

She identified volatile farmgate prices, importation concerns, rising production costs, post-harvest losses, climate variability, pest management, and supply chain inefficiencies as key issues, emphasizing that increasing production alone is insufficient to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Dr. Guillasper added that advances in precision agriculture, climate-smart farming, artificial intelligence, digital marketing platforms, mechanization, and data-driven agricultural planning present valuable opportunities to build a more competitive and resilient onion industry.

The webinar featured three expert-led lectures that examined the current state of onion production, emerging innovations, and practical farming strategies for strengthening the industry.

Opening the lecture series, Rachelle Conmigo, head of the NEUST Onion and Garlic Research Center, presented State of Onion Production in Luzon: Challenges and Opportunities, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current landscape and identifying priority areas for research and intervention.

The second lecture featured Prof. Adiza Dela Cruz, Officer-in-Charge, Dean of the NEUST College of Agriculture, who discussed Emerging Research and Technological Innovations in Onion Production, highlighting the university’s research initiatives and technologies aimed at improving onion productivity and sustainability.

Completing the lecture series, Jerome Gumangan, Science Research Specialist II at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III, shared Empowering Farmers through Practical Innovations and Proven Onion Production Practices, emphasizing the adoption of research-based farming approaches that can enhance productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and improve farmers’ profitability.

Throughout the webinar, the speakers consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening supply chain management, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing climate resilience, increasing profitability, and promoting data-driven decision-making to improve the country’s onion industry.

In her closing remarks, University Training Department Director Dr. Marilou Pascual expressed hope that the discussions would inspire stronger partnerships, meaningful action, and innovative initiatives to further advance Nueva Ecija’s onion industry.

The webinar was officially endorsed by the Development Council of State Universities and Colleges Region III–Center for Inter-Institutional Research and Policy Studies (DC-SUC III/CIRPS) through Advisory No. 16, s. 2026.

The initiative reflects NEUST’s continuing commitment to advancing research, extension, and training programs that translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions, strengthen partnerships with communities and government agencies, and support sustainable agricultural development in Nueva Ecija and across the Philippines.

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