This report covers the second season rice and maize planting and harvesting periods, while the main season maize and rice sowing started in April. The Philippines experienced significantly wetter weather conditions during this monitoring period. Compared to the same period in the past 15 years, cumulative precipitation (RAIN) was higher (+41%), while average temperatures (TEMP) were about 0.3°C cooler and radiation (RADPAR) slightly lower (-3%). Abundant precipitation resulted in above-average potential biomass (BIOMASS) (+9). However, more rainfall does not seem to have led to better crop conditions. The NDVI curve shows that the national NDVI was well below average until March, when the conditions started to improve.  The significantly higher rainfall in January and February was associated with numerous typhoons in the Philippines, which brought heavy rainfall and flooding that adversely affected crop growth in the early part of the reporting period. Starting in March, conditions gradually improved. About 35.6% of the croplands (light green, dark green and orange) had varying  NDVI levels in  January or February. They were mainly located in the eastern Mindoro and Samar. Some of these fluctuations might have been due to cloud cover in the satellite images and flooding. Considering that the CALF is close to 100% and that the VCIx is as high as 0.94, and the CPI is 1.16, it is estimated that the second season maize and second season rice production in the Philippines is 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).

In the Lowland region (agroecological subzone 155), cumulative precipitation (RAIN) was 26% higher, while the temperature (TEMP) and radiation (RADPAR) were 0.4°C and 4% lower, respectively. Sufficient rainfall resulted in an above-average potential biomass (BIOMASS) of about 7%. The NDVI trend line was well below average. After March, the situation was much better than before, although NDVI was still below average. In addition, the district had a 100% cropped area (CALF), an VCIx of 0.92 and a CPI of 1.14, indicating generally normal crop growth in the area.

In the Hilly region (agroecological subzone 154), cumulative precipitation (RAIN) increased by 57%, average temperatures (TEMP) were 0.6°C cooler and radiation (RADPAR) decreased by 3%. Despite the high rainfall, which resulted in an increase in potential biomass (BIOMASS) of about 17%, the NDVI of crops in this zone was also well below average until March, after which it improved to average levels. The district has 100% arable land (CALF), a VCIx of 0.97 and a CPI of 1.18, indicating generally normal crop growth.

In Forest region (agroecological subzone 153), cumulative precipitation (RAIN) increased by about 46%, resulting in a 9% bias in potential biomass (BIOMASS). Average temperatures (TEMP) in this zone were 0.1°C lower and radiation (RADPAR) was also 3% lower. Despite the significant increase in precipitation, NDVI in this zone was also significantly below average until March. It returned to normal levels after March. With almost 100% (CALF) of the area under cultivation, a VCIx of 0.96 and a high CPI of 1.14, crop growth in the area is expected to be generally normal.

Figure 3.35 Philippines' crop condition, January-April 2023

(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 in Lowland region (left) and in Hilly region (right)

Table 3.61 Philippines' agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values, and departure from 15YA, January-April 2023

Table 3.62 Philippines' agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values, and departure from 5YA, January-April 2023