Bicol dams still at normal levels despite extreme heat
LIGAO CITY—Water levels in major dams across the Bicol region remain normal despite extreme heat and lack of rainfall, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said.
Monitoring by the NIA showed that all 11 major dams under the agency, along with 129 communal irrigation dams across the region, continue to operate at normal levels, according to engineer Jes Baynas, irrigation management officer manager in Camarines Sur.
“The flow of water in irrigation facilities is good and to sustain it, clearing of canals is regularly undertaken,” Baynas said in a message on Saturday.
He noted that some irrigation areas in Camarines Sur have experienced low water supply, but these are isolated cases.
“We have also increased pumping hours to meet the water requirements in rice fields,” he said.
NIA Bicol regional manager, engineer Gaudencio John De Vera, said individual pumping systems, particularly those sourcing water from the ground, have been affected by the extreme heat, especially in Albay and Masbate.
To address this, rotational water delivery is being implemented, particularly in downstream areas where water supply is limited.
Water delivery
“Farmers’ leaders are discussing possible water delivery arrangements,” De Vera said.
From April 7 to April 12, temperatures reached around 38 to 40 degrees Celcius. On Saturday, Legazpi City recorded a peak of 40°C, which falls under the “extreme caution” category, according to the Southern Luzon Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Regional Services Division.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol has introduced an adjusted planting calendar for hybrid rice to mitigate climate risks.
Under the new schedule, harvesting is set by September to avoid the typhoon season from October to December. Land preparation will be done in December after a two-month fallow period in October and November, while planting and transplanting are scheduled in January, according to DA Bicol information officer Lovella Guarin.
Guarin said hybrid rice offers about a 20-percent yield advantage over traditional varieties and performs well during the dry season, provided there is sufficient irrigation.
Total rice area planted in Bicol from Sept. 15, 2025, to March 15, 2026, reached 148,340 hectares, which is also the estimated area currently being harvested across the region.
