Farmers in Mangaldan, Pangasinan are watering their watermelon crops up to three times a day as hot weather strains irrigation supply and raises fears of crop losses.

With temperatures rising, growers say their plants may not survive without frequent watering. Some farms are also beyond the reach of existing irrigation systems, forcing farmers to dig wells to secure water for their fields.

Bobby Manaois, a farmer, said consistent irrigation is crucial to avoid financial losses.

“Kailangan madiligan talaga ‘yang mga pakwan kasi malugi kami kung mamatay na ‘yan,” he said.

In several farms, water used for irrigation now comes from hand-dug wells built by farmers themselves to cope with limited access to irrigation canals.

“Importante ‘yan kasi diyan nanggagaling ang tubig,” Manaois added.

The Mangaldan Municipal Agriculture Office said it is monitoring the situation and has provided support measures to help farmers deal with the dry conditions.

“May mga shallow tube well naman at may mga solar powered pump na ibinigay sa mga farmer, pwede nila magamit ‘yun,” Manuel Aquino, spokesperson for the municipal agriculture office, said.

Local officials said farmers are already familiar with strategies to protect their crops during the dry season, including improving access to water sources and adjusting irrigation schedules to keep plants alive despite the heat.