QUEZON CITY — The Philippine government can tap over ₱7 billion from the available National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund to support response and relief operations addressing the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) announced on Saturday, October 17.
Speaking at a news forum in Quezon City, OCD spokesperson and Director for Disaster Preparedness Service Vic Tomas stated that the agency is prepared to utilize these resources for ongoing agricultural and community support.
“Meron tayong ₱7.864 billion NDRRM Fund available po ‘yan for any response na kailangang gawin patungkol sa El Niño,” Tomas said.
Tomas noted that a state of calamity has already been formally declared across 106 areas nationwide due to the severe dry spell.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), these affected localities span five regions: 66 areas in Cagayan Valley, 4 in Calabarzon, 12 in Bicol, 1 in Soccsksargen, and 23 in Caraga.
“‘Yung Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance program ay ₱6.685 billion ready siya lalo na sa mga nag-declare na ng state of calamity,” Tomas added.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier reported that nationwide agricultural damages and losses caused by El Niño had climbed to ₱6.87 billion as of September 26, 2026.
The DA’s El Niño Bulletin No. 01 indicated that the adverse weather conditions have impacted a total of 223,214 farmers across the country.