PHTomato prices in Kidapawan City, Philippines, have surged to as high as P150 per kilo due to damage caused by monsoon rains and landslides that disrupted farming and reduced market supplies. Local vendors report that tomato farms in nearby areas were heavily impacted, forcing reliance on backyard garden produce. Vendor Josephine Bugonotan noted that both unripe and ripe tomatoes have seen significant price increases, with ripe tomatoes reaching P150 per kilo. She warned that prices might continue rising if El Niño-related dry conditions persist. In response, the Kidapawan City Agriculture Office has launched a backyard gardening initiative, offering free vegetable seeds, including tomatoes, to residents, schools, and organizations. The city government has allocated P500,000 to support this effort and bolster local food production.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of agricultural challenges and government responses without overt ideological slant. It reports on economic impacts and policy actions without favoring any particular political agenda. While the issue of food security and climate impact is politically sensitive
