Baguio city: The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) has assured that the country's supply of temperate vegetables remains unaffected despite weeks of heavy rain that have caused significant crop damage and disrupted transportation. DA-CAR Regional Director Jennilyn Dawayan highlighted the continuous efforts of farmers in the region to plant and replace crops damaged by the adverse weather conditions, ensuring sustained production.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dawayan emphasized that while many have been affected by the prolonged rains, the food supply remains sufficient as farmers persist in planting to secure their livelihoods. She mentioned that the agency is actively distributing seeds under its regular banner programs, leveraging its experience in preparing for the southwest monsoon season, which typically impacts Cordillera agriculture.
As of Thursday, DA-CAR reported having stored 4,954 three-kilogram bags of rice seeds and 1,688 cans of seeds for squash, pole beans, and okra, along with other vegetable seeds like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, and pak choi. Dawayan noted her visits to several municipalities, observing farmers' resilience in continuing to plant despite crop losses. The agency is also gearing up to provide fertilizer and additional support to affected farmers.
The DA-CAR Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office disclosed at the Cordillera Regional Development Council's agriculture cluster meeting that agricultural damage in the region had reached PHP473.5 million as of August 25. Benguet accounted for the vast majority of the losses at 94.13%, while Mountain Province reported PHP16.6 million in damages, and Ifugao reported none.
A total of 11,374 farmers and fisherfolk have been impacted, with affected agricultural land covering 1,776.8 hectares. Dawayan stated that the agency received PHP30 million in quick response funds for agricultural damage in 2025, intended for distribution to affected rice, corn, and vegetable farmers.
To assist farmers in finding markets for their produce, DA-CAR facilitated the sale of PHP1.5 million worth of farm products through the Kadiwa program in August. However, Dawayan acknowledged that persistent rain poses a significant challenge for vegetable growers, as it can damage highly perishable produce both in the fields and during transport. Road closures due to landslides, delays at trading facilities, and reduced demand because of flooding in other areas have further complicated deliveries.
Dawayan encouraged farmers to seek assistance at help desks in trading posts and register with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture to access various government programs. To tackle recurring issues of vegetable spoilage and oversupply, DA-CAR is planning the development of a large vegetable processing facility in La Trinidad, Benguet, on a 15-hectare site owned by Benguet State University. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has included the project in the department's proposed 2027 national expenditure program.
The agency is also considering a consolidation facility in northern Benguet with BSU, where small farmers could bring their produce for shipment to trading centers or institutional buyers. Dawayan mentioned that Secretary Laurel has visited the region multiple times this year to assess the situation and formulate long-term solutions.
