The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) affirms agricultural prices are maintaining stability amid Severe Tropical Storm Crising and habagat. "We are not seeing any significant price surges for now, even for vegetables," stated DA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa in a briefing.
While rice fields have incurred damage, the impact remains confined to the vegetative stage of palay. Rice sector losses are reported at 6,703 metric tons, valued at approximately US$3.79 million, affecting about 14,842 hectares as per DA-Disaster Risk Reduction Management operations.
High-value crop recovery is anticipated. Damage estimates for crops like vegetables, spices, legumes, watermelon, banana, and pineapple reach approximately US$1.47 million. De Mesa remarks that price fluctuations generally arise from logistical or supply chain disruptions, noting, "Every typhoon, they are using that as a reason. But we're assuring them that there are no stranded or obstructed roads."
Major transportation routes like Marcos Highway and Naguilian Road, crucial for connecting to upland vegetable regions in Baguio and La Trinidad, are operational. "Right now, goods are moving smoothly," confirms de Mesa, ensuring connectivity and supply chain efficiency for greenhouse operations.
Source: PNA
