More than 800 farmers in Mangaldan, Pangasinan have opted not to plant rice this cropping season due to insufficient water from irrigation canals. 

Areas in Mangaldan that are not served by irrigation water include parts of:

• Anolid, 
• Talogtog, 
• Lanas, 
• Bari, 
• Guilig, 
• David; and, 
• Buenlag.

According to Merle Cuison-Sali, the Municipal Agriculturist of Mangaldan, some farmers are unable to irrigate their rice paddies, leaving them with the choice of either planting rice with the risk of poor yields or switching to crops that do not require irrigation.

To utilize their land efficiently, these farmers will now plant corn, which requires less water.

The local government, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), has distributed corn seeds and fertilizers to support the affected rice farmers.

"Ang intervention natin ay corn seeds talaga," Cuison-Sali said.

The assistance from the DA is a significant help for farmers, as the free corn seeds and fertilizers reduce their expenses.

"Malaking bagay kasi libre," Bobby Llena, a farmer, said.