World · Philippines Bureau
Bicol rice farms face water shortage risk as El Niño looms
The National Irrigation Administration warns that nearly 15,500 hectares of rice lands in Bicol province are at risk of water scarcity during the 2027 dry season. The vulnerable area represents a quarter of the region's total rice-growing capacity.
LSN Philippines ·
LEGAZPI CITY — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has identified approximately 15,402 hectares of rice farmland across Bicol as vulnerable to water shortages during the first cropping season of 2027 if El Niño conditions materialize as projected.
According to NIA Bicol Manager Engr. Gaudencio John de Vera, the at-risk agricultural areas constitute roughly 24 percent of the region's total rice production capacity. The warning signals potential crop losses and reduced yields for farmers dependent on irrigation during the anticipated dry weather pattern.
El Niño, characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures across the Pacific, typically brings below-normal rainfall to the Philippines and can severely strain water resources critical for agricultural operations. The NIA assessment comes as regional authorities prepare contingency plans to mitigate the anticipated impact on food security and farming communities.
The identification of vulnerable zones allows the irrigation administration to prioritize infrastructure improvements and water management strategies for the coming season. Agricultural officials are expected to coordinate with local government units and farmer cooperatives to develop adaptive measures.