The Department of Agriculture (DA) has heightened its monitoring efforts amid the looming impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, which threatens to affect farmlands across several regions.
DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a phone interview Friday that Opong poses wider risks than previous storms.
“Nakatutok talaga tayo dito. Naglabas tayo ng napakaraming advisories prior to pagtama ni Opong para ‘yung mature crops na pwedeng i-harvest, ma-harvest na at hindi na maapektuhan,” De Mesa explained, noting that the agency has advised farmers to secure harvest-ready crops ahead of the storm.
He warned that palay, corn, and high-value crops may sustain losses, with possible damage spanning from Eastern Visayas to Central Luzon. Other areas at risk include Bicol, Central and Western Visayas, and Southern Tagalog.
“Ito naman kasing si Opong talaga, medyo mas marami from Eastern Visayas to Central Luzon. So, medyo mas malawak ‘yung posibleng maging damage ni Opong,” he said.
Still, De Mesa assured that rice prices are expected to remain stable due to a strong harvest earlier this year, adequate imports before the current 60-day import ban, and the ongoing wet-season harvest.
“We don’t worry much about rice. Ang issue natin dito is ‘yung gulay dahil nga tinamaan ni Nando ‘yung Norte, tapos posibleng tamaan ni Opong itong gulayan sa Bicol, Southern Tagalog, and Central Luzon,” he added.
While the flow of agricultural goods is still unhampered, the DA projects a possible 10-15% increase in vegetable prices due to supply disruptions.
“Nagte-tame din naman siya agad kapag dumating ‘yung gulay from other sources natin,” De Mesa said, noting that vegetable price hikes typically ease within two weeks.