LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Pangasinan provincial government has ordered water and energy conservation measures as it prepares for the possible effects of a strong El Niño, with farmers and agricultural communities among those at risk from reduced rainfall.
In a report published on October 19, Bombo Radyo Dagupan said Provincial Administrator Atty. Manuel Luis Jr. confirmed that provincial government employees had been instructed to limit electricity consumption. The province is also preparing to discuss possible assistance for farmers whose crops could be affected by changing rainfall conditions.
The move comes as weather authorities warn that El Niño could bring prolonged periods of below-normal rainfall to parts of the country.
What is Pangasinan doing to prepare?
According to Bombo Radyo Dagupan, the provincial government plans to convene a Farmers Congress and invite relevant government agencies to discuss possible interventions and support for farmers who may experience crop losses or water-related difficulties.
Luis also encouraged farmers to consider less water-intensive crops, including corn, as one way to reduce exposure to water shortages during the cropping season.
The planned gathering is intended to bring agricultural concerns and available government support into the same discussion. However, details about its exact schedule, participating agencies, funding commitments, and specific assistance packages were not provided in the report.
What does the El Niño forecast mean for Pangasinan?
The Philippine Information Agency reported on September 29 that provincial disaster officials were preparing for potentially prolonged dry conditions. Based on the outlook discussed during a September 25 pre-disaster risk assessment meeting, officials forecast below-normal rainfall for October and December 2026, while November 2026 and January through March 2027 could see way-below-normal rainfall.
The assessment also identified possible dry spells in November 2026 and February 2027.
Separately, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its October 7 El Niño advisory, said a strong to very strong El Niño was present in the tropical Pacific and could continue into the first half of 2027.
These are forecasts, not confirmation that every part of Pangasinan will experience drought or a water shortage. Actual conditions can vary by location and may change as weather systems develop.
Why should farmers and households pay attention?
Prolonged rainfall deficits can strain irrigation, crop production, livestock, fisheries, and household water supplies. Farmers who depend on rainfall or irrigation may need to review planting schedules and water-management practices using updated agricultural and weather advisories.
Households can also help by avoiding unnecessary water use, repairing leaks, and switching off lights and electrical equipment when not needed. Farmers should consult local agricultural officers before changing crops or planting schedules, since suitable choices depend on soil, market demand, water access, and local growing conditions.
What happens next?
The provincial government’s planned Farmers Congress and its conservation measures will be important developments to monitor as the dry-season outlook evolves. Residents should follow official announcements from Pangasinan authorities, their municipal or city governments, and PAGASA for updated guidance.
For now, the central message is preparedness: conserve resources, monitor local conditions, and rely on verified advisories rather than assuming that a province-wide water shortage has already occurred.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team.
