This reporting period covers the grainfilling and harvest periods of the second rice and maize crops (January to April). The planting of main maize and rice started in April. The country experienced wetter conditions (RAIN, +32%) as compared to the 15YA. Temperature was almost unchanged (TEMP -0.1℃). The radiation was below average (RADPAR -2%) and the potential biomass was also  higher than average (BIOMSS 13%). 

According to the NDVI profile for the country, the national NDVI values were far below average in January until mid February and then followed the average trend. The below-average NDVI values in January indicate below average conditions for the growth of second maize and rice.  However, the cropped arable land fraction value was almost 100% and the maximum VCI value was at 0.98, which means that the prospective production was roughly normal.

Regional analysis

Based on the cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, three main agro-ecological regions can be distinguished for the Philippines. They are the Lowlands region (northern islands), the Hilly region (Island of Bohol, Sebu and Negros), and the Forest region (mostly southern and western islands). All the regions are characterized by the below-average NDVI values before mid-February and the close-to-average NDVI values until the end of this monitoring period. However, the high CALFs and high maximum VCIs indicate that the production was slightly below or close to average.

The Lowland region experienced a sharp increase in precipitation (RAIN +33%) and slightly cooler temperatures (TEMP -0.2℃). The radiation for the region was 2% lower than the 15YA and the consequential biomass was above average (BIOMSS 15%). The CALF was 100% and the maximum VCI value for the region was at 0.97.

Compared to the 15YA, the Hilly region went through a wetter period. The rainfall for the region was higher than the average  (RAIN +62%) and the temperature was almost unchanged (TEMP +0.1℃). The radiation decreased by 2% and the biomass was 23% upper than average as well. The maximum VCI value for the region was at 0.97.

In the Forest region, the rainfall was above average (RAIN +28%) and the temperature was near average. The radiation for the region was 3% lower than average and thus the potential biomass increased by 10%. In the meanwhile, the maximum VCI value for the region was at 0.99.

Figure 3.35 Philippines' crop condition, January - April 2021

(a) Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI     (c) Maximum VCI

(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA      (e) NDVI profiles

(f) Time series temperature profile (left) and rainfall profile (right)

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Lowlands region (left) and Hills region (right))

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Forest Region)

Table 3.59 Philippines' agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, January - April 2021

Table 3.60 Philippines' agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, January - April 2021