Prolonged heat is drying up farms and water sources across parts of Northern Luzon, raising fears of crop losses among farmers already struggling with limited irrigation.

In Dilasag, Aurora, farmers report that corn fields are nearly dried up due to the intense summer heat. Peanut crops in the area are also showing signs of damage. Growers worry that continued high temperatures could completely destroy their harvests.

The same situation is unfolding in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, where eggplant crops are starting to wither. Farmers say they are having difficulty watering their plants because of low water supply. Some consider using water pumps, but rising fuel costs make it expensive.

Water shortages have become more severe in Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Wells and small farm reservoirs in Barangay Bulbulala are drying up, leaving farmers with little to irrigate their tobacco crops. Many rely on these sources, but supply has declined sharply.

“Dito sa Vintar lalong lalo na Pallas Valley talagang tuyong-tuyo ang imbakan ng tubig dito dahil itong mainit ang panahon na tag-init na. Kaya itong mga tanim naming na tabako wala na maliliit kasi wala naman pandilig kaya ganitong kalalaki ng iba't ibang klaseng produkto dito gaya ng tabako. Kaya ito ang problema namin dito sa Vintar,” Roberto Nebab, a farmer, said.

In Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, water levels at the San Cristobal Dam have also dropped significantly. Glenn Mateo, a farmer, said the decline started as early as March 2026, leaving irrigation canals dry and fields below the dam idle.

“Nagsimula noong Marso lalo ngayon talagang tuyong-tuyo na kasi mainit ang panahon. 'Yung gate valve hindi maabot mas mababa na 'yung tubig kaya walang papunta dun sa mga sakahan,” Mateo said.