In the Philippines, the main rice crop is currently growing, while maize has reached maturity and is about to be harvested. Altogether, the outputs for maize and rice in the country are expected to be about average or just above. During the monitoring period, rainfall in the country was above average (RAIN, +15%), while temperature and RADPAR recorded a slight and more significant drop, respectively (TEMP, -0.7ºC and RADPAR, -3%). The increase in rainfall resulted in BIOMSS being 9% above average.

Based on the maximum VCI, favorable crop conditions prevailed, and VCIx mostly exceeded 0.90. VCIx levels by region are as follows: 0.97 in the Hilly agriculture area, 0.96 in the Forest region, and 0.92 in the Lowland agriculture region. The Cropped Arable Land Fraction (CALF) was almost 100%. Considering the spatial patterns of NDVI profiles, 86.3% of the cropped area experienced above average conditions from April to June, after which (in July) conditions suddenly dropped below average. It is possible that this drop stems from the impact of a typhoon. 

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, 3 sub-national regions can be distinguished for Philippines, all are relevant for crops cultivation. These 3 regions are lowland agriculture area, hilly agriculture area and forest area.

Lowland agriculture region

The Lowland agriculture area (area 5 on the map) experienced normal RAIN (+4%), RADPAR (-1%), TEMP (-0.7°C) and BIOMSS (+5%). The Cropped Arable Land Fraction is 100%, and the VCIx was good at 0.92. Altogether, the outputs for maize and rice are expected to be about average or above.

Hilly agriculture region

The Hilly agriculture area (area 6) recorded above average rainfall (RAIN, +8%), low radiation (RADPAR, -4%), and average temperature (TEMP, -0.4°C), expecting biomass (BIOMSS) to be about 10% up. With a Cropped Arable Land Fraction of 100% and good VCIx (0.97), the outputs of the maize and rice seasons are expected to be at least average.

Forest region 

The Forest region (area 4) recorded the highest rainfall departure (RAIN, +29%) with normal temperature and radiation. BIOMSS is 12% above the five-year average. A high Cropped Arable Land Fraction of 100% and good VCIx (0.96) should result in above average maize and main rice seasons.

Figure 3.24a. Philippines phenology of major crops

Figure 3.24b. Philippines crop condition development graph based on NDVI, comparing the April-July 2017 period to the previous season and the five-year average (5YA) and maximum

Figure 3.24c. Philippines maximum VCI, April-July 2017  

Figure 3.24d. Philippines spatial NDVI patterns up to July 2017 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles (right).  

Figure 3.24f. Lowland agriculture region (Philippines) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.24g. Hilly agriculture region (Philippines) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.24h. Forest region (Philippines) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Table 3.58. Philippines agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April-July 2017 

Table 3.59. Philippines agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, April-July 2017 

Table 3.60. CropWatch-estimated maize and rice production for Philippines in 2017 (thousand tons)