₱476.78-M agricultural damage in Benguet due to severe weather conditions threatens vegetable supply, farmers’ livelihoods

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Agricultural damage in Benguet has reached ₱476.78 million as of August 17, 2026, following the effects of Typhoons Luis and Maymay and continued rains brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, according to the provincial agriculture assessment.

Benguet, known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines,” is a major producer of highland and temperate vegetables. Its cool climate, high elevation and extensive farming areas support the production of cabbage, carrots, potatoes, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, bell pepper, celery, radish and beans, as well as strawberries and cut flowers.

Initial assessment by the Benguet Provincial Agriculture Office showed that 1,284.37 hectares of agricultural land had been affected, involving 6,089 farmers who reported crop losses.

Another 303 farmers sustained damage to farm machinery, facilities, equipment and agricultural infrastructure. The provincial assessment remains subject to further updates as some areas continue to experience unfavorable weather conditions.

Among the municipalities, Bakun recorded the highest agricultural damage at ₱200.27 million, followed by Buguias at ₱58.57 million and Atok at ₱57.49 million.

For farm machinery, facilities, equipment and infrastructure, Itogon recorded ₱4.35 million in damage, followed by La Trinidad with ₱2.45 million and Tublay with ₱743,500.

Damage threatens key vegetable-producing sector

The losses come as Benguet remains one of the country's major agricultural and vegetable-producing provinces.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that Benguet produced 411,148.59 metric tons of crops in 2024, with vegetables and root crops accounting for 371,491.71 metric tons, or about 90 percent of total crop production. These commodities were harvested from approximately 18,957 hectares.

The province's dependence on high-value vegetables makes prolonged rain particularly significant for farmers. During the first quarter of 2025, Benguet produced 94,409.49 metric tons of other crops, with vegetables and root crops contributing 87,873.72 metric tons, or 93 percent.

Cabbage was the leading commodity at 17,575 metric tons, followed by Chinese cabbage at 16,225 metric tons and potatoes at 14,830 metric tons.

Despite the damage, farmers continue harvesting whatever crops remain marketable and bringing their produce to major trading areas in La Trinidad, including the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center.

More vegetables are expected to reach trading areas as farmers salvage marketable crops. However, flooding and disruptions affecting other markets could also affect sales and distribution.

₱3-M assistance available

The provincial government has around ₱3 million available under its disaster response program for affected farmers.

Agriculture officials, however, acknowledged that the amount is limited compared with the scale of the reported losses. The province is preparing proposals for additional assistance from the Department of Agriculture and other government sources.

Provincial Agriculture Office officials have urged affected farmers to report their losses through their Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers.

Farmers are also advised to register under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and provide details including the affected area, crop and production stage, extent of damage and photographs as supporting documentation.

The reports will then be forwarded to municipal agriculture offices for validation and encoding into the provincial disaster reporting and monitoring system.

Officials said accurate reporting is important not only in documenting the province's agricultural losses but also in identifying farmers who may qualify for government assistance.

Damage assessment still ongoing

The ₱476.78-million figure is not yet considered the final damage estimate, as assessments remain ongoing.

Provincial agriculture officials said the total could still increase as municipalities complete their evaluations, particularly in areas affected by continuing rain, unstable soil conditions and other weather-related difficulties.

For a province whose farms supply large volumes of vegetables to markets beyond the Cordillera, the damage could extend beyond individual farm losses.

Prolonged disruptions could affect farmers' incomes, vegetable availability and supply chains serving consumers in Benguet, Baguio and other parts of Luzon.