DESPITE low temperature experienced in the Cordillera region, the Department of Agriculture and the Office of Provincial Agriculturist in Benguet said isolated cases of frost will not affect the supply of vegetables.
“As of this moment, wala pang damage report na alarming as caused by frost injury. Though frost occur when the temperature is very low, wala naman damage documented by our counterparts in the municipalities,” Provincial Agriculturist Lolita Bentres said.
In the previous years, frosting or “andap” has been monitored in Benguet province specifically in barangays Paoay and Cattubo in Atok which experience low temperature less than 10 degree Celsius occurring in January which can affect cabbage, carrots and potatoes.
Vegetable frost occurs because of the low temperature experienced in areas with high elevation, once the moisture enters without the presence of air, it develops into ice which injure vegetable crops.
Cameron Odsey, Department of Agriculture- Cordillera Administrative Region director told Sun.Star Baguio the reported andap incidents in Paoay this year is not alarming as farmers use sprinklers to wash the frost.
Augusta Balanoy, Benguet Farmers Marketing Cooperative general manager also confirmed several areas in Mountain Province and Benguet have experienced vegetable frosting but there is no alarming effect on the supply or price of vegetables at La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, one of the biggest trading areas in the Benguet capital town.
“Not all farms are affected, only those that are situated in the highest elevation,” she added.
Weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration extended weather outlook said Baguio City will continue to experience 13 to 14 degree Celsius in the coming days.