In the highlands of the Cordillera region, farmers are well-prepared to mitigate the impact of frost on their crops, thanks to support from the Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR). Aida Pagtan, head of the DA-CAR Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service, highlighted the various tools provided to farmers, including sprinklers, water hoses, PVC hoses, and watering pails, which are crucial in preventing frost damage.
Frost, a common occurrence in the region between January and February, was recently observed in Mount Cabuyao, Sto. Tomas, Tuba, Benguet, where temperatures plummeted, encasing broccoli plants in ice. Pagtan explained that farmers have adapted their routines, watering plants before sunrise to melt the ice into water that nourishes the soil, thus protecting the plants from sun-induced damage.
Despite the challenges posed by frost, Pagtan reassured that the phenomenon is limited to small areas, such as a 1,000 square meter plot in Atok, Benguet, and parts of Mount Santo Tomas in Tuba. Atok, known for its cooler climate, experiences temperatures 2 to 3 degrees Celsius lower than Baguio City, where the lowest temperature recorded this year was 11.8 degrees Celsius.
The DA continues to support the agricultural sector with logistics, funding, and technical training, aiming not only to combat frost but also to enhance overall productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Pagtan emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader effort to ensure the resilience and prosperity of the farming community in the face of environmental challenges.