Angat irrigation allocation cut

MALOLOS, Philippines — Starting tomorrow, standing rice crops in Bulacan and in parts of Pampanga will have to rely on rainwater for irrigation requirements.

Robert de la Cruz, National Irrigation Administration manager in Bulacan, confirmed that irrigation supply to south zone areas stopped on April 15 while the allocation for the north zone is only until today.

The north zone covers rice fields in parts of Bulacan and parts of Pampanga while the south zone covers the remaining areas in Bulacan.

De la Cruz said creeks and waterways were filled up before the irrigation allocation was terminated to ensure that water for standing crops can still be pumped.

The National Water Resources Board reduced irrigation allocation for rice fields this month since many farms are either in their terminal drainage situation, meaning there is less water requirement.

As of April 25, the water level in Angat Dam was 17.46 meters below its normal high water level of 201 meters.

Noel Miranda, president of irrigators associations in Pandi, Bustos, Plaridel and Bocaue, said around 100 hectares of standing rice crops in the towns still need irrigation water.

“Ulan na lang po talaga ang aasahan ng mga natirang standing crops,” he said.