BAMBANG, NUEVA VIZCAYA— Prices of upland vegetables at the Nueva Vizcaya Agri-Terminal (NVAT) remained stable today August 19, 2026, despite a surge in truckloads of produce coming in from other markets, as heavy rains and floods caused by the southwest monsoon or Habagat forced the closure roads leading to Balintawak Market in Metro Manila.
NVAT General Manager Ivan Kurt Alfaro said the trading center received additional deliveries of wombok, carrots, string beans, cabbage, and potatoes from Benguet, Kasibu, and Kayapa starting early this morning. The volume was higher than the usual daily arrivals.
“Normal pa rin ang presyo ngayong araw sa NVAT kahit mas marami ang dating ng gulay,” Alfaro said. “Yung ibang trucks na dapat sa Balintawak ang punta, napunta muna dito dahil sarado doon dahil sa baha at hindi madaanan na kalsada.”
As of this afternoon’s trading, retail prices held steady. Carrots were sold at ₱40–₱55 per kilo, wombok at ₱20–₱30 per bundle, cabbage at ₱35–₱45 per kilo, string beans at ₱60–₱80 per kilo, and potatoes at ₱70–₱90 per kilo. Wholesale prices also showed little movement compared to last week.
Crates of tomatoes arrived just the same, to be bought even with medium sizes. “Ok na sa akin itong 35 pesos na presyo nitong 2nd priming ng kamatis ko. Medium size. Nakabenta ako ng 500 kilos,” Konsehal Decora Allawas, Tiblac Dulli Coop Chairman from Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya said.
NVAT Agri Production Sales and Marketing Officer Mr. Julio Basilan said prices are good, and truckers from Benguet, Ifugao and even those who cannot deliver in NCR because of rains and floods are welcome in NVAT. “Long wait can spoil unpacked moist leafy vegetables like wombok so traders run to us. They always choose the nearest trading post. ” he explained. Traders said the steady prices were due to strong demand from buyers in markets in Cagayan, Isabela, and nearby provinces who also shifted to NVAT after Balintawak’s temporary closure.
The Department of Public Works and Highways reported flooding and road interruptions in parts of Metro Manila and Central Luzon, prompting haulers to reroute to NVAT as an alternative trading post. Farmers from Benguet, Kasibu, and Kayapa welcomed the additional market outlet.
“Buti at bukas ang NVAT. Kung hindi, maaantala kami,” said a vegetable trader from Benguet. The Department of Agriculture – RFO 02 said it is closely monitoring supply and prices to prevent post harvest situations. NVAT management added that cold storage facilities and additional unloading bays were opened to accommodate the extra volume.
Officials expect deliveries to remain high in the next few days until roads to Metro Manila become passable. The DA advised consumers that despite the weather disturbances, vegetable supply in the region remains sufficient and affordable. NVAT continues to operate 24 hours and serves as the main trading hub for upland vegetables in Northern Luzon.
via Dr. Ferdinand Cortez