Sablayan, Occ. Mindoro farmers adjust crop plans as El Niño looms

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Farmers from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro are adjusting their cropping plans and seeking alternative irrigation sources as the country braces for a potentially prolonged El Niño that could bring water shortages to agricultural areas, according to a report from the Philippine Information Agency in MIMAROPA on Thursday.

Sablayan Municipal Agriculture Officer Peter Gallenera said the local government and farmers discussed preparations during a Municipal Development Council meeting, including identifying areas that could face limited water availability.

Of the town’s estimated 15,000 hectares of agricultural land, about 8,900 hectares are irrigated and will be prioritized for rice production, Gallenera said.

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For more than 6,000 hectares that are not irrigated, the Municipal Agriculture Office is advising farmers to consider planting mongo and corn, which generally require less water than rice.

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The local government is coordinating with the National Irrigation Administration and the Department of Agriculture in MIMAROPA for possible assistance, including fuel support for irrigation operations.

Sablayan is also seeking solar-powered irrigation systems to reduce farmers’ dependence on fuel for pumping water to their farms.

Gallenera said farmers had previously been advised to adjust their cropping calendars, but the expected duration of the El Niño could affect one cropping season and possibly extend into the succeeding season.

The southern portion of Sablayan remains a concern because some agricultural areas could experience water shortages despite having irrigation facilities, he said.

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Gallenera urged farmers to maintain close communication with the Municipal Agriculture Office and agricultural technicians so that interventions could be provided before conditions worsen.

The preparations in Sablayan come as the national government ramps up measures to protect the agriculture sector from the expected impact of El Niño.

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said a strong El Niño is currently active and is expected to intensify into a “very strong” event between September and December 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027.

PAGASA warned that the phenomenon increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in some areas. /gsg