QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) announced on Sunday, September 20, that national irrigation water reserves remain adequate despite the anticipated onset of a strong El Niño, as the agency shifts to a double dry-cropping schedule to optimize crop production.
Speaking in a radio interview, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen explained that dry, sunny weather can be advantageous for agriculture, prompting the agency to adjust planting timelines to maximize sunlight exposure.
”Sa pagsasaka po, sa pagtatanim natin, mas gusto nga po ng NIA ‘yung maaraw, kaya nga po binabago ng NIA ‘yung ating cropping calendar, ginagawa po naming… double dry cropping,” Guillen said.
”… Ang ginagawa po ng NIA ngayon, dinadala natin ‘yung ating cropping sa parteng October, aani tayo ng January, tanim ulit tayo ng March [at] aani ulit tayo ng June. So ‘yan po ‘yung tinatawag [na] double dry cropping,” he added.
Under the revised framework, farmers will initiate planting in October for a January harvest, followed immediately by a second planting cycle in March that will yield a harvest by June.
This modified approach replaces the traditional wet-and-dry cycle, which typically involved planting around November or December for a March harvest, followed by a second planting phase in July.
Guillen pointed out that increased sunlight enhances agricultural productivity through higher rates of photosynthesis, though he emphasized that sufficient water availability remains a crucial baseline for successful crop development.
Projections from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicate that the impacts of the strong El Niño will likely begin manifesting between October and December, with dry conditions potentially persisting into the second quarter of 2027.
To cushion the agricultural sector against prolonged dry spells, the agency is relying on key water storage infrastructure, including major reservoirs such as Magat Dam in Isabela and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija.
According to Guillen, Magat Dam is operating near full capacity and is set to supply water to approximately 90,000 hectares of farmland. Similarly, Pantabangan Dam is near capacity, providing irrigation coverage for around 120,000 hectares across five areas in Luzon.