Veggie prices up as Baguio, Benguet chills; frost on farms

BAGUIO CITY – The temperature in this summer capital dropped to 11 degrees Celsius Tuesday, the lowest since December as in other parts of Benguet where farms were covered with frost resulting to rise in vegetable prices in Manila.

The city’s signature chill is expected to further dip next month as the northeast monsoon or amihan reaches its peak, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.  

On Jan. 8, the temperature here was recorded at 11.5 degrees Celsius.

It is cooler in northern Benguet towns such as Atok, Mankayan and Kibungan, where the temperature is two degrees lower. 

Kabayan town’s Mt. Pulag, the second highest peak in the country, usually records lower temperatures.

Frost covered vegetable plantations in Barangays Madaymen in Kibungan, Cada in Mankayan and Paoay, Atok since Jan. 7, Agot Balanoy of the Benguet Farmers Marketing Cooperative said, citing reports from farmers.

Benguet Gov. Crescencio Pacalso said effect of the cold spell on vegetable farms was minimal and will not drastically affect prices where veggies are distributed like Metro Manila.

Vegetable dealers in Metro Manila have suddenly increased prices of veggies baling frost as the culprit and lack of the commodity but Benguet authorities said they used the reason to make a killing when in fact prices were stables in the province and supply was normal.   

The lowest temperature here last year was recorded in December at 13.6 degrees Celsius.

The coldest temperature was recorded at 6.3 degrees on Jan. 19, 1961.