BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) has reported ₱40.9 million in damage to local rice and corn crops driven by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
As of November 5, field assessments covering 1,483 hectares of agricultural land recorded total production losses of 1,593 metric tons (MT), impacting 2,353 farmers.
Rice sustained the heaviest damage, accounting for ₱36,667,309.10 across 1,366 MT of lost production. Hard-hit areas in Negros Occidental include Hinigaran (822.74 hectares), Toboso, Ilog, Cadiz City, La Castellana, Escalante City, San Carlos City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Binalbagan, Kabankalan City, Moises Padilla, and Sagay City.
Meanwhile, corn losses reached ₱4,289,202.04 with a volume of 195.35 MT, affecting over 91 hectares in Toboso, Negros Occidental, and 18.45 hectares in San Jose, Negros Oriental.
The DA-NIR noted that the current dry conditions align with updates from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).
During the 200th Climate Outlook Forum, state meteorologists indicated that a strong El Niño is established in the tropical Pacific and is expected to persist through the first half of 2027, potentially intensifying significantly toward the end of 2026.
Despite the growing threat of a prolonged dry spell, the provincial government remains confident that yields in irrigated farmlands will hold steady.
“Our goal is to ensure that Negros Occidental will continue to have an adequate supply of rice,” Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson said.