In December, tourists were amazed by the aesthetic appeal of the frost on crops, but this is in contrast to the agricultural reality faced by the farming community.

The frost on crops or the frost damage is a natural phenomenon in high-elevation areas like Atok, Benguet, which occurs when the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the damage happens when ice forms in plant tissue and eventually injures the plant cells. It also affects the quality of the plant.

“‘Yong 1st class na cabbage, naging 2nd class na.” PJ Haight, a local farmer, said in an interview with UNTV in January 2023

[“The 1st class cabbage has now become a 2nd class”]

He noted that the drop in quality grade leads to a significant price reduction. In his example, he mentioned the ₱10.00 gap between the 1st and 2nd class. The 1st class can sell for ₱30.00, but in the 2nd class, it is only ₱20.00.

Atok Mayor Franklin Smith revealed that frost is not just a challenge but a deadly weapon. 

“‘Yung  frosting na iyan nakakamatay, pinapatay niya ‘yung mga tanim mo, ‘yung mga seedlings.” he said in an interview with UNTV

[“That frosting is deadly. It kills your crops and the seedlings.”]

To combat the effects of freezing temperatures in Atok, one of the strategies of the farmers is to water their plants before sunrise as it melts the ice in crops.

The Department of Agriculture - Cordillera also showed its support through the distribution of hoses and pump irrigation systems to maintain the good health of the crops during the cold season.

The Northern Benguet serves as the primary source of highland vegetables, supplying at least 80% of the market demand.

With reports from Grace Doctolero

‍