Some rice farmers in Mangaldan, Pangasinan continued harvesting palay this January 2026, trying to recover what was left of their crops after floods and pest attacks reduced their yield in 2025.

Farmers said the remaining palay were those that survived when #UwanPH hit the province in 2025. However, they reported that production was lower because many rice plants were damaged by pests such as worms and insects.

Rice farmer Ray Jimenez said changing water conditions and pests affected their fields.

“May diperensya talaga pati ‘yung tubig. May parang burrer na tawag nila tapos may mga butterfly na nagbibigay ng peste sa dahon,” Jimenez said.

Farmers said they suffered heavy losses last year, prompting them to salvage whatever crops remained.

The Mangaldan Municipal Agriculture Office said it is aware of the farmers’ situation and is validating the causes of the reduced harvest. Manuel Aquino, rice coordinator of the office, said flooding may be a factor, but pest infestation is also being checked.

“Isa rin na dahilan, maaaring ‘yung baha. Pero ‘yung sa peste, i-va-validate din namin kung ‘yun ba talaga ‘yung rason ng pagkakabawas ng ani nila. Mag-report lang po sila sa office para alam din namin kung paano tayo mag-iintervene sa kanila,” Aquino said.

As the new cropping season begins, farmers also face continued flooding in some rice fields. Jimenez said they have already planted seeds provided by the agriculture office, despite the risks.

“Kumuha kami ng mga binhi na ibinigay ng agriculture, isinaboy na namin para makipagsapalaran na. Pag hindi nag-subside ‘yung tubig, iitim ‘yung puno ng palay, magkakaroon ng peste,” he said.

Some seeds planted newly were eaten by golden apple snails, or kuhol, forcing farmers to apply insecticide before replanting.

The local government said it will assist farmers through programs of the Department of Agriculture as they try to recover from last year’s losses and protect their crops this planting season.