In Calasiao, Pangasinan, farmers are facing a significant challenge as their corn crops rot due to the combined effects of pests and hot weather. 

“Ito yung mais na nalulugi ang mga magsasaka kasi nauod… kung karamihan ganito, malulugi talaga… baka hindi na sila mag-mais,” Nestor Castillo, a farmer, said.

The farmers also anticipate low profits due to the low market prices of corn, which are currently around P17 per kilo.

The harvest of corn, initially scheduled for March, was postponed to avoid the period of low market prices.

Farmers are hoping that the buying price of corn will increase to P19 to P20 per kilo to offset their expenses and restore profitability.

“Medyo mababa [ang kita] kasi malaki ang puhunan ng mais, kapag 19 [pesos], medyo okay. Okay na [rin] ang 17 pero mababa,” Ding Nerison, another farmer, said.

The Provincial Agriculture Office said that the effect of the hot weather on crops was already anticipated. Monitoring of the water levels of river systems, which serve as water sources for irrigation, continues.

“As this time, okay pa naman ‘yung water level compared noong mga nakaraang El Niño,” Dalisay Moya, Pangasinan Provincial Agriculturist, said.