Around 38,000 farmers and 15,283 fisherfolk could be affected; government agencies outline water and livelihood interventions
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — More than 37,000 hectares of agricultural land in Pangasinan could be affected by the developing El Niño phenomenon, potentially impacting approximately 38,000 farmers and 15,283 fisherfolk across the province, according to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.
The figures were presented during the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Congress on El Niño Preparedness and Mitigation held on November 3, 2026, at the Provincial Training and Development Center II in Lingayen.
In its November 3 report, the provincial government said farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives from the province’s six congressional districts participated in the gathering, which focused on preparedness measures involving weather forecasting, irrigation management, crop insurance, credit assistance, and emergency livelihood support.
Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay A. Moya said the provincial government plans to distribute water pumps to farmers’ associations beginning January 2027 as part of its efforts to reduce the potential effects of prolonged dry conditions.
In a November 4 report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Moya said much of the estimated 37,000 hectares of potentially affected agricultural land is located at the tail ends of irrigation systems, where water availability could become a concern.
She also cited approximately 50,000 hectares of rain-fed agricultural areas that could be affected. This is a separate estimate and should not be added to the 37,000-hectare figure without establishing whether the areas overlap.
Irrigation and water management
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Principal Engineer Harry Villanueva advised farmers in vulnerable areas to consider rotational cropping schedules or refrain from planting when adequate irrigation water is unavailable to avoid potential production losses.
According to PNA, Villanueva said the NIA continues to inspect irrigation canals and undertake necessary repairs to help maintain water delivery.
The National Power Corporation (NPC) also reported that San Roque Dam in San Manuel, Pangasinan, had sufficient water for irrigation during the November 3 preparedness discussions.
Moya said recent rainfall had also helped improve water availability for irrigated areas during the second cropping season and recharge groundwater resources.
Government assistance and mitigation measures
The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported an allocation of more than ₱1.5 billion for the Ilocos Region’s El Niño action plan, according to the November 4 PNA report.
The amount covers the regional action plan and should not be interpreted as funding exclusively for Pangasinan.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also said they are ready to assist affected farmers and fisherfolk.
Other agencies involved in the preparedness initiative include the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
Earlier, the Provincial Agriculture Office proposed approximately ₱170 million for preparedness and mitigation measures in Pangasinan.
In its October 20 report, PNA said Provincial Agriculturist Moya presented the proposed funding during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Question Hour.
The proposed amount included ₱72 million requested from the provincial government, ₱81.6 million from the Department of Agriculture, and ₱16 million from other agencies, including the DSWD and DOLE.
The proposed interventions covered farm machinery, agricultural inputs, possible cash-for-work assistance, and measures to protect vulnerable agricultural and fisheries activities.
The provincial government also identified drought-prone rice, corn, and vegetable areas, as well as aquaculture facilities that could face water shortages.
The proposed ₱170-million mitigation package should be distinguished from approved or released funding. Its final funding and implementation status require confirmation.
PAGASA warns of very strong El Niño
In a November 4, 2026 press release, PAGASA confirmed that a very strong El Niño was present in the tropical Pacific and was expected to persist into the first half of 2027, potentially peaking by the end of 2026.
The weather bureau warned that El Niño increases the likelihood of rainfall deficits, which may result in dry spells and drought in several parts of the country.
PAGASA also reported that most parts of the country were expected to receive below-normal to way-below-normal rainfall in November 2026, with several provinces potentially experiencing meteorological drought or dry spell conditions by the end of the month.
However, the agency emphasized that heavy rainfall episodes may still occur due to tropical cyclones and other rain-bearing weather systems.
PAGASA advised the public and concerned government agencies to implement appropriate interventions, water conservation measures, and efficient water resource management to minimize the phenomenon’s potential effects.
Farmers urged to prepare
With the possibility of prolonged dry conditions extending into 2027, government agencies have emphasized the importance of proper irrigation management, timely weather information, and access to agricultural assistance.
For Pangasinan, the potential impact on agricultural production and fisheries makes preparedness particularly important to communities whose livelihoods depend on sufficient water resources.
The provincial government’s preparedness congress is part of its efforts to coordinate with national agencies and inform farmers and fisherfolk about available mitigation measures.
Farmers are encouraged to monitor official PAGASA advisories and coordinate with their respective municipal agriculture offices and irrigation associations for guidance on planting schedules, water availability, and available assistance.
Sources and references
- Provincial Government of Pangasinan – Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Cooperatives in Pangasinan Join Provincial Congress for El Niño Preparedness. November 3, 2026.
https://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/farmers-and-fisherfolk-cooperatives-in-pangasinan-join-provincial-congress-for-el-nino-preparedness/ - Philippine News Agency – Gov’t supports Pangasinan farmers, fishers vs El Niño. November 4, 2026.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/article/govt-supports-pangasinan-farmers-fishers-vs-el-nino - DOST–PAGASA – Very Strong El Niño Is Present in the Tropical Pacific. November 4, 2026.
https://pagasa.dost.gov.ph/press-release/233?page=3 - Philippine News Agency – Pangasinan bats for P170-M El Niño mitigation fund. October 20, 2026.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/article/pangasinan-bats-for-p170-m-el-nino-mitigation-fund - Philippine Information Agency – Pangasinan steps up preparations as El Niño threatens water, agriculture. September 29, 2026.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/luzon/ir/pangasinan-steps-up-preparations-as-el-nino-threatens-water-agriculture
Report prepared by IlocosNews. Sources are credited to their respective publishers.
