Provinces brace for drought, farm losses

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Agriculture and health officials in several parts of the country are stepping up preparations as El Niño intensifies, with the weather phenomenon expected to reach a “very strong” state before the end of 2026 and possibly persist into 2027.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas were among 14 regions where field assessments found damage to rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, livestock and poultry.

Nationwide, agricultural damage and losses have reached P6.87 billion, affecting 223,214 farmers and 249,028 hectares of farmland, the DA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center reported.

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READ: Two phases, one crisis: Floods and drought under super El Niño

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Estimated production losses reached 163,812 metric tons, although the figures remain subject to validation. Corn accounted for the largest share at P4.9 billion, affecting 170,605 hectares, while rice losses reached P1.53 billion across 74,953 hectares.

Declining rainfall 

The DA reported that 192,766 ha, or 77.41 percent of the affected agricultural area, remained recoverable, while 56,262 ha had no chance of recovery.

The agency has installed 338 water pumps in affected areas and provided P10.96 billion in interventions, including production support and crop insurance indemnification.

READ: El Niño affecting 14 regions, agriculture sustains P6.87-B damage

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In Oriental Mindoro, officials are preparing for below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought from late 2026 to early 2027.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts indicated that rainfall in the province could decline significantly beginning December, with only about 50 millimeters expected through March 2027, according to weather bureau officer Edmundo Muning.

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The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will reinforce the Provincial El Niño Task Force to coordinate preparations, particularly for farmers and other sectors dependent on water.

Despite the projected dry spell, Pagasa estimates that three to five tropical cyclones could still enter the Philippine area of responsibility from October 2026 to March 2027.

In Zambales, the Provincial Health Office has ordered hospitals and local health units to prepare for possible health impacts, including extreme heat, water shortages and water- and mosquito-borne diseases.

Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Noel Bueno directed health facilities to review water reserves, alternative water sources, backup power and fuel supplies, cooling systems and stocks of essential medicines and emergency supplies.

The office warned that prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as diarrhea, dengue, respiratory illnesses, food poisoning and malnutrition.

Pagasa said a strong El Niño is present in the tropical Pacific, with most climate models indicating that the phenomenon could persist through the first half of 2027 and reach a very strong state before the end of 2026.

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The DA said it was monitoring weather and ground conditions, coordinating with the National Irrigation Administration and validating vulnerable areas for possible interventions. —Reports from Hazel Villa, Madonna Virola and Joanna Rose Aglibot