By Kenneth Marcos 
As dark clouds loom over northern Luzon, farmers brace for impact. Typhoon Paolo is expected to make landfall this morning, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that could threaten over 786,000 hectares of rice fields across the region—just as many are preparing for harvest.
According to PAGASA, the eye of the storm was last spotted near Dilasag, Aurora, moving west-northwest across mainland Luzon. The typhoon has intensified and is now classified as a full Typhoon as of 9:00 AM today.
Which Areas Are at Risk?
Several rice-producing provinces may experience moderate to heavy flooding, posing a serious risk to crops, especially in low-lying areas.
Expected Heavy to Intense Rainfall:
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Isabela
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Quirino
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Aurora
Expected Moderate to Heavy Rainfall:
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Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet
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Nueva Vizcaya, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija
Expected Light to Moderate with Heavy Rain Showers:
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Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal
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Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay
These areas are home to thousands of smallholder farmers who rely on rice harvests for their income and food supply. Flooding could damage standing crops, delay harvest schedules, and reduce yields.
Government Urges Precaution
The Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the situation through its regional offices and disaster response units. Farmers are advised to:
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Harvest mature crops early, if possible
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Secure farm inputs and equipment
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Ensure livestock and poultry are sheltered
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Monitor local advisories and evacuate when necessary
Irrigators’ associations and barangay officials have also been mobilized to assist in early warning efforts and post-typhoon assessments.
Impact on Food Security
The affected rice areas represent a significant portion of Luzon’s total rice production. Damage from the typhoon could lead to price hikes, reduced local supply, and additional pressure on the national food stock.
This comes at a time when the agriculture sector is already dealing with the effects of recent typhoons, El Niño-related dry spells, and rising production costs.
Typhoon Paolo serves as a reminder of the growing threat of climate-related disasters to food security and rural livelihoods. As Filipinos continue to face these challenges, the call for long-term support, climate-resilient technologies, and early response systems becomes even more urgent.
Farmers, especially those in high-risk zones, are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety above all.
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