Several farmers have started direct seeding or "sabog tanim" early this cropping season to take advantage of recent rains and save on labor costs. But the unexpected heavy downpours destroyed much of the newly sown seeds, forcing many to replant.

“Magtatanim ulit, hindi naman namin alam na ganun ang kalalakas ng ulan,” Dominador Gotongan, a farmer, said.

Direct seeding, which skips the seedling transplant stage, is meant to reduce expenses. But according to the Municipal Agriculture Office, it often becomes risky when weather conditions are unpredictable.

“Depende sa kondisyon ng tinanim nila. Kung naka-survive na ang itinanim nila, okay naman na. Pero kung halos 80 percent ang nasira, ang best advice namin ay mag-uulit na lang sila,” Manuel Aquino, rice coordinator at the Mangaldan Agriculture Office, said.

To help the farmers affected recover, the local government is distributing certified palay and hybrid seeds.

As of this writing, around 80 percent of Mangaldan’s farmers have already started planting for the new season.