Manila: Over 1.1 million residents of Pangasinan were affected by weather disturbances from August 2 to 23, based on records of the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). During the Question Hour of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday, PDRRMO head Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro reported that 150 barangays across 12 municipalities and two cities in the province experienced flooding due to heavy rainfall, particularly between August 7 and 13.
According to Philippines News Agency, PDRRMO has not yet recommended declaring a state of calamity for the entire province, as response and relief resources remain sufficient. Oro emphasized the importance of conserving resources in anticipation of major effects in the coming months, recalling the devastation of Super Typhoon Uwan in November last year. Currently, four localities-Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Sta. Barbara, and Bugallon towns-have declared a state of calamity.
Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya reported significant production losses in the agricultural sector as of August 23. The province saw a loss of 11,800 metric tons of rice crops, valued at PHP354.6 million, affecting 11,700 farmers across 9,859 hectares. Corn crops suffered a loss of 714 metric tons, valued at PHP17 million, while vegetables and other high-value crops accounted for 2,680 metric tons of losses, valued at PHP98 million, impacting 941 farmers over 318 hectares.
Fishery activities in 16 localities also incurred losses estimated at PHP37 million, affecting 780 fish growers. Moya explained that these damages were caused by typhoons Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, as well as the southwest monsoon. Affected farmers are expected to receive buffer stock seeds for the next cropping season starting September 16.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, Moya noted an 18 percent increase in rice planting, with the area expanding by 20,497 hectares. As of August 21, the total planted area reached 137,362 hectares, compared to the initial 116,864 hectares, against the 180,000-hectare target for the main cropping season.
