15,402 hectares of Bicol rice lands vulnerable to El Niño

LEGAZPI CITY — About 15,402 hectares of rice lands in Bicol are vulnerable to water shortages during the first cropping season of 2027 amid the threat of El Niño, according to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the region.

Engr. Gaudencio John de Vera, NIA Bicol manager, said these vulnerable areas make up 24 percent of the region’s total optimal rice area.

These include farmlands with dried-up water sources, insufficient water supply, or unstable irrigation sources, making them susceptible to shortages during the cropping season.

READ: El Niño may cut PH rice output by 700,000 metric tons, says DA

Devera said the water levels in dams across the region remain normal, despite the identified risks

“To mitigate the impact, shifting to planting vegetables and high-value crops like camote, monggo, peanuts or corn is advised, especially in the vulnerable areas,” he said.

De Vera said the agency is conducting information drives for various irrigators’ associations in preparation for the next planting season.

The NIA assessment covers areas served by national and communal irrigation systems. NIA supervises 607 communal irrigation systems and 17 national irrigation systems.

For the first cropping season of 2027, Bicol has 46,585.24 hectares for rice and 15,359.47 hectares for other crops. Water delivery is scheduled to begin in November 2026.

Identifying vulnerable areas is part of preparations to manage irrigation supplies and help sustain agricultural production amid the anticipated dry conditions associated with El Niño./coa