Continuous heavy rains in Cagayan, Pangasinan, and Batangas have led to severe flooding, submerging newly planted rice, and leaving farmers to deal with significant losses. 

“Lugi na, mabulok na,” Ernesto Molina, a farmer, said.

“Wala nang mangyari… magtatanim nalang uli [kami] ng bago,” Edwin Sinamag, another farmer, added.

Several rice fields in Sta. Teresita, Cagayan have turned into lakes due to relentless rains. Crops that are just two weeks old are now under water.

The flooding has also affected rice fields in Sta. Ana, Aparri, Enrile, Lal-lo, Amulung, and Camalaniugan. 

“Sa ngayon hindi pa namin nakikita kung gaano kalaki ang epekto niya sa [agriculture], kasi ilang municipalities palang ang nagpapadala ng report nila,” Ruelie Rapsing, a Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) officer in Cagayan, said.

PANGASINAN

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, the rice fields in Barangay Anolid were also submerged. 

Andres Ramos, a farmer, is disheartened, as his crops, planted four months ago and due for harvest in September 2024, are now underwater.

“Kakaunti na lang ang pataba ko… nagamit ko na ‘yung mahigit anim na sako,” Ramos said.

Ramos said this is a double blow to farmers who were just beginning to recover from the long effects of El Niño.

The Municipal Agriculture Office, in collaboration with the Disaster Council, is conducting monitoring efforts to assess the situation.

Rodolfo Corla, a DRRM officer in Mangaldan, said while the rain benefits upland farmers who rely on water pumps and gasoline for irrigation, it severely affects low-lying areas where rice fields are flooded by rising water volumes from upstream.

“Sa low-lying areas [na] talagang tinatamnan ng palay, apektado sila kasi medyo tumaas ang volume ng tubig from upstream,” Corla said.

In Bangued, Abra, farmers are also experiencing significant losses as their rice fields are flooded and newly planted seedlings are washed away by the bad weather. 

These farmers, who had followed the cropping season, did not anticipate the storm's severe impact. 

The Municipal Agriculture Office is now assessing the agricultural damage caused by the typhoon and the southwest monsoon.

BATANGAS

In Batangas, rice fields were also submerged across several barangays, with damage to agriculture reaching P36.2 million.

In Nasugbu, approximately 100 hectares of rice fields were affected.

Local officials reported that while some areas have seen the water levels recede, places such as Bunducan, Putat, and Talangan are still experiencing high water levels.

“Ang iba subside na ang tubig — subside na; [pero] may area makupad ang labas ng tubig eh, itong parte ng Bunducan, Putat, Talangan,” Mayor Antonio Barcelon said.

Crops such as rice, corn, and high-value crops like vegetables and fruits have been affected, according to the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO).

Authorities assured support for affected farmers. PAO will provide planting materials and seeds to help with replanting and land preparation.

“Palagi naman kaming nakahanda, ano? 'Yung pamimigay namin ng planting materials, seeds again, [at para] doon sa paghahanda ulit ng kanilang mga lupa. Ganoon ulit 'yung magiging tulong namin sa kanila,” Dr. Rodrigo Bautista Jr., Provincial Agriculturist, said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is actively coordinating relief operations across the province to assist communities hit hardest by the heavy rains and flooding.

(with reports from Joanne Ponsoy and Jasmin Gabriel-Galban, GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, and Paul Hernandez, GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog)