By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise, many rice farmers in Mindanao are already checking the sky and listening closely to weather updates. For families whose income depends on palay, the approach of a strong storm brings fear of flooded fields, damaged crops, and lost harvests. As Bagyong Basyang moves closer, thousands of hectares of rice lands are now at risk.
As of the latest monitoring, an estimated 24,504 hectares of rice fields may be affected by the approaching tropical storm Basyang. The weather system was last spotted about 735 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Weather forecasters expect the storm to make landfall over eastern Mindanao either on February 5 or February 6, depending on its speed and direction.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Basyang may bring moderate to heavy rainfall in several rice-producing provinces. These include Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. Strong winds and continuous rain may cause flooding in low-lying farms and river-adjacent areas, putting standing crops at serious risk.
The estimated rice areas at risk were identified using data from the Philippine Rice Information System for Management, or PRiSM, for the first semester of 2025. These figures help agriculture officials and local governments prepare early response plans for farmers. Authorities said updated maps and assessments will be released once more information becomes available.
Rice farming remains a vital livelihood in Mindanao, supporting thousands of families and contributing significantly to the country’s food supply. Any major damage to standing palay could affect not only farmers’ incomes but also local rice availability in the coming months. While the storm arrives outside the usual peak typhoon season, its impact could still be severe due to saturated soils and exposed crops.
Agriculture officials have reminded farmers in affected areas to take precautionary measures where possible. These include clearing drainage canals to allow water to flow freely, reinforcing dikes around paddies, and harvesting mature crops ahead of heavy rains if conditions allow. Farmers are also encouraged to coordinate closely with local agriculture offices and disaster risk reduction units for timely advisories.
Local governments are on alert to assist farming communities, especially those in flood-prone areas. Emergency response teams are preparing for possible evacuation, damage assessment, and post-storm recovery operations. Past experience shows that quick response after storms is crucial in helping farmers recover and replant in time for the next cropping cycle.
Climate experts have noted that weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, making early warnings and farm preparedness more important than ever. Storms that develop quickly or change direction pose added challenges to farmers who already face rising input costs and market uncertainties.
As Bagyong Basyang approaches, authorities continue to urge vigilance. Farmers are advised to monitor official weather bulletins and avoid relying on unverified information. The coming days will be critical in determining how much damage the storm may cause and how fast affected communities can recover.
For now, many farmers can only wait, protect what they can, and hope that the storm weakens before reaching land. The situation highlights once again the vulnerability of Philippine agriculture to extreme weather and the need for continued support, preparedness, and long-term resilience in farming communities.
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