Benguet: The provincial agriculture office in Benguet has assured that there will be enough supplies of highland vegetables for the upcoming holiday season, despite the significant damage caused by Super Typhoon Uwan to the agriculture sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Agriculturist Delinia Juan explained that farmers acted swiftly after the typhoon, immediately replanting their crops. This quick response has ensured that the crops will be ready in time for the holidays. Speaking at the Agri-Tourism Fair during Benguet’s 125th foundation anniversary and the 2025 Adivay Festival, Juan highlighted the province’s role in supplying at least 85 percent of the country’s highland vegetable requirements, primarily to Metro Manila, the Visayas, and other parts of Luzon.

Juan noted that the availability of seedling growers has enabled farmers to replace damaged crops more quickly than before. Farmers can now purchase ready-to-plant seedlings, bypassing the longer process of starting from seeds. This development has facilitated faster recovery following calamities, ensuring the continuation of their livelihood and their responsibility to provide food.

The province is currently completing its assessment of the agricultural impact of Typhoon Uwan and formulating recommendations for provincial intervention. Juan mentioned that data collection from municipalities is ongoing, and the province plans to include calamity interventions in the 2026 budget. Assistance from national agencies will also be sought.

The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) has reported initial damage estimates amounting to PHP73,817,211.82 across various agricultural sectors, affecting 4,385 farmers and 1,329 hectares of planted areas.

DA-CAR has prepared immediate interventions, including the distribution of rice and corn seeds, to aid recovery efforts. A total of 5,515 bags of three-kilogram rice seeds and 4,386 bags of nine-kilogram corn seeds are available, along with seeds for other crops and additional bags of milled rice. The DA noted an increase in regional production for rice, corn, and high-value crops as of the third quarter of 2025.