Super Typhoon Carina Causes P11.9 Million in Agricultural Damage in Cordillera, Yet Vegetable Prices Remain Stable

BAGUIO CITY, CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION — Despite the P11.93 million worth of crop damage inflicted by Super Typhoon Carina, vegetable prices in the Cordillera region have remained stable, according to a report from the Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR).

According to Philippines News Agency, Carina caused significant damage to high-value crops with 24.39 metric tons affected across 129.78 hectares as of Monday 4:30 p.m. The typhoon, which also enhanced the southwest monsoon, affected at least 402 farmers but had minimal impact on rice, corn, and cassava production. Despite the damage, the latest market data shows that wholesale vegetable prices have decreased since Monday. The price of cabbage dropped by PHP2 to PHP3 per kilogram, with carrots and potato-granola seeing reductions as well.

Aida Pagtan, chief of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (RAFIS) at DA-CAR, emphasized the sufficient vegetable supply in local markets, particularly in Baguio City and La Trinidad. “There is sufficient supply as residents have not yet gone out to buy in volumes for their families,” Pagtan noted, suggesting that the stable supply has prevented price spikes.

In response to the disaster, DA-CAR is expediting the assessment of agricultural damage. Lawyer Jennilyn Dawayan, DA regional director and head of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, mentioned that the department is actively providing seeds for rice, corn, and vegetables to the affected farmers. Additionally, the department’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) is set to support the rehabilitation of damaged farms.

Further, DA-CAR has strategically repositioned its seed reserves, preparing 204,564 kilos of various rice seeds, 45,000 kilos of corn seeds, and 564.70 kilos of upland and lowland vegetable seeds as part of its La Niña preparedness plan initiated during the El Niño period. The department also facilitates financial recovery through the Survival and Recovery loan (SURE) program and crop insurance provided by the Philippines Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), aimed at mitigating the financial losses of farmers.