In the Philippines, the main rice crop is currently growing, while maize has reached maturity and is about to be harvested. Nationwide, temperature (TEMP) and radiation (RADPAR)were slightly above average (+0.4°C and +5%), while rainfall (RAIN) decreased by 5%, mainly resulting from El Niño conditions; the biomass accumulation potential (BIOMSS) for the country shows a significant decrease of 15%. Considering the spatial patterns of NDVI profiles, crop condition in Luzon was above average in May, while after early June it declined sharply. In the southern part of Philippine islands, including Caraga, Davao, and Soccsksargen insouthern Mindanao, crop condition was below average due to seasonal rainfall deficits from May to July. NDVI in late June was significantly below averagebut it recovered in July. Altogether, the output of the main season rice isexpected to be below average.

Figure 3.24. Philippines crop condition, April-July 2015

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

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