Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday announced an intensified monitoring effort in response to Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi), which poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa highlighted the potential for extensive damage from Opong, which is expected to impact a broader area compared to recent weather disturbances. De Mesa emphasized the proactive measures taken by the DA, including the release of multiple advisories to ensure the harvest of mature crops ahead of the storm's landfall.

De Mesa warned that Opong could lead to production losses in key agricultural commodities such as palay (unhusked rice), corn, and high-value crops across regions including Eastern Visayas and Central Luzon. Additional areas at risk include Bicol, Central and Western Visayas, and Southern Tagalog.

Despite these concerns, De Mesa assured that rice prices are unlikely to increase due to a robust palay harvest in the first semester, adequate imports prior to an import ban, and the ongoing peak harvest during the wet season. However, he expressed concern over the vegetable sector, particularly in regions like Bicol, Southern Tagalog, and Central Luzon, which may face supply disruptions leading to a potential 10 to 15 percent price increase in vegetables.

De Mesa noted that while agricultural goods' movement remains unaffected, price stabilization is expected as vegetables from other sources arrive, typically within two weeks.