Climate Impact Assessment for Philippine Agriculture

March  2008

No. 3 / Volume 24 

Overview                       In most part of the country, harvesting of second lowland palay and dry season corn crops is in progress.  Late planted rice and corn crops are near to above normal crop condition except in some areas  particularly in western Luzon .           During the month, above normal rainfall   were observed in most part of the country.  Visayas and in most part of Mindanao received above normal rainfall with few patches of areas in the range of normal rainfall conditions.  Most of Bicol region, some parts of Quezon province, and large portion of Central Luzon extending over some parts of Isabela, Benguet, Ilocos Sur have received above normal rainfall.  Below normal rainfall were observed over extreme northern Luzon,   southern part of Zambales, most part of Cavite , Batangas and some part of Laguna, Palawan, Masbate and the rest of Quezon province.  Above normal rainfall pattern had been observed over the whole Visayas including Sarangani and Surigao del Norte for three consecutive months.   Weather systems that affected the country during March were the Northeast Monsoon, Low Pressure Area, ridge of High Pressure, the tail end of the Cold Front, and Easterly Wave.

Region I       In most part of the region, below normal harvest is expected from lowland second palay now on its maturing stage due to moisture deficiency during its critical stages of growth.  However, harvesting of rainfed rice and corn crops is in progress with good yield obtained. CAR Near to normal harvest is expected from lowland second palay and dry season corn this season as suggested by yield moisture indices. Region II Near to above normal harvest is expected in most part of the region due to good weather condition prevailed in the area. Region  III Harvesting of lowland second palay and dry season corn crops is going on with near to normal harvest obtained. Region IV Good harvests of the late planted lowland palay are expected due to sufficient rainfall observed in the area.  Also, February planted wet season corns are in normal crop condition. Region V Except in areas affected by excessive rainfall, near to above normal harvest are expected.  The early planted wet season corn benefited by above normal rainfall in March.   Region VI Prospect of good harvest is expected from lowland second palay and dry season corn in western Visayas. Region VII Near to above normal harvest from lowland palay and dry season corn due to sufficient moisture supply during the entire growing period.

Region VIII   Reduced in yield is expected due to heavy rainfall experienced during the critical stages of growth.  Crop condition for February planted wet season corn is in near to above normal.  Region IX Near to above normal yield is obtained for lowland palay due to good weather condition prevailed in the area. Region X Harvesting of lowland second palay and dry season corn are going on with good yields expected.  The late planted lowland palay in its ripening stage benefited by above rainfall in March. Region XI Good harvest is expected for both lowland palay and dry season corn this season.  Favorable weather condition prevailed throughout the growing period. Region XII Harvesting of lowland play and dry season corn crops are in progress with good yield anticipated. CARAGA Harvesting of lowland palay is in full swing.  The early planted wet season corn is faring well due to above normal rainfall in March. ARMM Prospect of good harvest is expected from late planted lowland palay and dry season corn in Central Mindanao.

  

Complete details of Climate Impact Assessment for Philippine Agriculture (March 2008)

For Inquiries: In Manila, the following may be contacted - Dr. Flaviana D. Hilario, Chief, (Climatology & Agrometeorology Branch,CAB) Ms. Carmelita Vindollo, Chief, (Climate Impact Assessment &   Applications Section, CIAAS) Ms. Irene Pabona,  Weather Specialist II             Tel. No.: (632) 434-58-82    Fax No. (632) 434-58-82