The provincial agriculture office in Benguet reported that highland vegetable supply is expected to remain steady for the holiday season despite the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan. Provincial Agriculturist Delinia Juan said farmers replanted immediately after assessing field losses. "After our farmers saw that their plants were damaged by the typhoon, they immediately replanted and their crops are now growing in time for the holiday season," she said during the opening of the Agri Tourism Fair for Benguet's 125th foundation anniversary and the 2025 Adivay Festival.
Benguet supplies about 85 per cent of the Philippines' highland vegetables, with volumes moving to Metro Manila, the Visayas, and other parts of Luzon. Juan said seedling growers now provide ready-to-plant materials, allowing farmers to replace damaged crops faster. "Before, farmers had to start from seed, grow the sprouts, and then transplant them. Now, seedlings are readily available for purchase, making it easier to recover after calamities," she said. She added that planting continues without delay because "they know they have a responsibility to feed the people."
The province is finalizing its assessment of agricultural losses and preparing recommendations for support measures. "We are collecting data from the municipalities. As we near the year's end, the province will surely include calamity interventions in the 2026 budget," Juan said, noting that assistance from national agencies will also be requested.
Initial data from the Department of Agriculture Cordillera Administrative Region showed total losses of PHP73,817,211.82, equal to about US$1.32 million. Damage covered rice, corn, root crops, high-value crops, livestock, agricultural infrastructure, machinery, equipment, and irrigation systems as of Nov. 14. A total of 4,385 farmers and 1,329 hectares of planted areas were affected.
DA CAR has prepared seed interventions, including 5,515 bags of three-kilogram rice seeds for replanting 903 hectares and 4,386 bags of nine-kilogram corn seeds for 2,193 hectares. Seeds for snap beans, bush sitao, and pole sitao are also available, along with 500 bags of 10-kilogram milled rice for additional support.
The DA reported that as of the third quarter of 2025, regional output increased compared to the previous year. Corn by 10 per cent or 11,416 metric tons and high-value crops by 0.3 per cent or 997 metric tons.
Source: PNA
