NIA Cordillera readies for impacts of heightened El Niño

BAGUIO CITY -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Cordillera conducted an assessment on the current irrigation situation and strengthen preparations for the potential impacts of El Niño on regional water supplies and agricultural production.

The recent meeting focused on evaluating river discharge levels, crop conditions, vulnerable agricultural areas, and ongoing interventions to ensure uninterrupted irrigation services for local farmers.

Current monitoring shows that river discharge and other regional water sources remain sufficient to support standing crops across service areas. Field personnel are continuously tracking water levels and flow rates to guide proper scheduling and delivery. Consequently, farmers within the four National Irrigation Systems covering 26,366 hectares under regional management are expected to successfully harvest their current standing crops.

To further safeguard agricultural output, local field offices are participating in inter-agency discussions and coordinating with local government units to align preparedness measures, identify priority regions, and implement targeted interventions. As part of the physical preparations, heavy equipment, including short- and long-arm backhoes provided through a national government initiative, is being deployed to desilt canals and redirect available water toward intake points.

Field offices and local irrigators' associations are also routinely clearing vegetation, debris, and silt from main and lateral canals to maintain optimal water flow.

Supplemental water distribution plans focus heavily on maximizing operational solar-powered pumps during periods of reduced water availability. The agency is fast-tracking ongoing solar pump construction projects, repairing non-operational units, and preparing to deploy available diesel-powered pumps to vulnerable areas. Plans are also underway to procure additional movable solar pumps and diesel units to bolster supply if river discharge rates drop.

Looking ahead to the next cropping season from November 2026 to February 2027, the agency is identifying high-risk areas to prioritize for supplemental water sources and conservation measures. Farmers in vulnerable zones are being encouraged to adopt short-duration and drought-tolerant crop varieties alongside modified cropping strategies to minimize potential losses.

Through ongoing monitoring and resource deployment, the regional administration aims to sustain responsive irrigation services throughout the El Niño period.