By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte farmers have long been praying for rain and with the prolonged rainfall brought about the southwest monsoon, or “habagat”, Fiel Camacho’s face lit up with excitement; he can now till the once dried up farmland that is dependent on rainwater.
For a week now, farmers here are busy preparing their farms as they take advantage of the rainwater.
“We are glad rain has finally come so that we can start planting,” said Mr. Camacho as he prepared his equipment for his rice field in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte on June 14, 2018.
The first rain of June is also an opportunity for other farmers to earn extra income as they enjoy catching exotic frogs and sell it in their neighborhood or in the market.
Pegged at least PHP250 per kilo, the demand for exotic foods is high as some balikbayans mostly based in Hawaii and mainland United States even bring it along with them for family and friends craving for a taste of these exotic delicacies in the Ilocos region.
Ilocos Norte is currently experiencing heavy rains and gale winds brought by the monsoon season.
In light of this, Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos reminded the local community, especially farmers, and resiliency councils that disaster management ought to be a year-round task.
“Huwag tayong maghihintay ng bagyo, maghihintay ng rainy season—nandito na—at huwag tayong aasa purong-puro sa gobyerno,” she urged.
“Balikan natin ang mga dating gawi ng Ilocano na bago mag-rainy season, nire-reinforce na yung pinto, bintana, bubong, and so forth. “Ngayon kasi, parang inaantay na lang yung bagyo—mag-aabang ngrelief. Balikan natin yung ugalingIlocano na talagang pinaghahandaan ang tag-ulan,” she said.
As of June 14, 2018, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council received several reports of flooded areas in Batac City, Paoay, Solsona and Dingras towns.
The most recent destructive typhoon for Ilocos Norte was the 2016 super typhoon Lawin (International Name: Haima), which had left behind over PHP2 billion in agricultural and infrastructural damages.