“Andap” or frost blankets vegetable farms in Benguet; lower harvest and losses expected

La Trinidad, Benguet – With the “Andap,” a local term used to describe frost, ravaging the vegetable farms in Benguet, farmers say they expect lower yield and significant losses.

Two week ago, the temperature dropped below 10 degrees Celcius which created “andap” in areas in Benguet. This was again experienced in recent days. The frost prevents growth of plants as it freezes them, diminishing their vitality if not killing them.

The towns of Tublay, Atok, and Mankayan were the severely affected with hundreds of hectares of crops destroyed, resulting in significant agricultural losses. These towns are suppliers of vegetable, such as cabbage and broccoli, not just in Cordillera but also outside the region like in Metro Manila. Exact figures of the losses are yet to be reported by concerned offices.

The effect of Andap on the farmers

The effect of Andap on farmers is both sentimental and monetary, as most of them depend on their harvests for survival, and losing their crops results in the inability to meet essential needs such as food, education, and healthcare.

Without their harvests, farmers will also lose funding for the next planting season.

 "Na-baffled kami; hindi namin ito inaasahan. Nasira ang lahat ng aming mga tanim, wala na kaming kita, wala naring puhunan para makapagtanim ulit, nakakalungkot,” expressed one of the affected farmers in Atok when interviewed by a local media outlet.

Additionally, farmers who took out loans to finance their operations now face rising debt. Without compensation or assistance, many will struggle to continue farming. The local economies of these towns, which are heavily dependent on agriculture, are now confronting serious financial hardship.

LGUs and concerned agencies response to the situation

In response to the devastation caused by Andap, local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have stepped in to help.

The DA-Cordillera has mobilized resources to assist affected farmers, offering financial aid and seeds for replanting. The agency is also promoting cold-resistant crops that may better withstand freezing temperatures.

Meanwhile, the LGUs are working on alternative livelihood programs and providing psychological support to their affected farmers.