The lack of water supply for irrigation for at least four weeks has left rice fields in Barangay Talibaew, Calasiao, Pangasinan parched and cracked due to the scorching heat.

Farmers, including Pablo Royupa, face difficulties commencing rice cultivation despite having deep wells. 

"Wala pa ‘yung tubig, kailangan na namin ‘yung tubig sa NIA. Talagang mag-umpisa kami pero walang-wala. hindi kami makapagtanim kahit may deep well kami, luging-lugi," he says.

The water shortage extends beyond Talibaew, affecting irrigation canals in Buenlag, Mancup, Longos, Lasip, and Malabago. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) notes that extensive rice fields in the province suffer due to the impact of El Niño.

Dalisay Moya, Pangasinan Provincial Agriculturist, explains, "Kapag wala silang patubig, hindi talaga sila nagtatanim… alam naman nila ‘yan. If we travel sa Pangasinan ngayon, lalo na sa Western Pangasinan, hindi na sila magtatanim after first crop ng rice.”

While the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) acknowledges areas struggling with water supply, they assure continuous water supply for the ongoing second cropping season. 

Arman Soriano, NIA-Pangasinan Information Officer, says, "Patuloy ang validation na ginagawa aside from inspection para tugunan ang pangangailangan. May kinakaharap man tayong El Nino, pero tiniyak ng NIA na sapat ang patubig."

OPAG suggests planting drought-resistant crops to mitigate water-related challenges for farmers in the region.