Pangasinan mango industry hit hard by super typhoon Uwan

What should have been a strong mango season collapsed overnight after Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) swept through Pangasinan, destroying almost all developing fruits across the province.

Mike Garcia, president of the High Value Crops Farmers Association, said initial assessments show a 90% loss of mangoes from the fruiting to maturation stage (25–85 days). Similar damage has been reported across Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, though Calabarzon and Mimaropa were largely spared. Pangasinan is the top mango producer in Ilocos, harvesting over 102,000 metric tons in 2023.

In Manaoag, one farmer said strong winds uprooted or broke several trees. He lost 97% of fruits nearing harvest and around 70% of younger fruits. From a usual 2,000 kaing (a traditional bamboo basket), he expects to recover only 20 after days of pickling.

Before the typhoon, mature mangoes sold for ₱90–₱100 per kilo (US $1.53–$1.70). The morning after Uwan, roadsides were filled with fallen, underripe mangoes being sold for ₱10–₱15 per kilo (US $0.17–$0.25)—too sour and immature for normal buyers.

Older trees absorbed the worst impact. In Villasis, another farm owner reported at least 15 trees aged 60+ years toppled, wiping out fruits from 1,000 trees.

Growers fear many trees are too stressed to flower again soon, though hope to induce a smaller recovery harvest before Holy Week. With farmers carrying heavy debts for inputs purchased on credit, immediate financial aid is crucial.

The provincial board has declared a state of calamity, with Gov. Ramon Guico III pledging support for affected mango growers.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

photo: msn.com