The Department of Agriculture is ramping up preparations for a possible severe El Niño expected later this year, amid concerns that prolonged dry conditions could threaten food production and drive up prices across the country.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the reactivation of the agency’s El Niño task force as authorities brace for the weather phenomenon forecast to emerge in the final quarter of 2026.
“It is imperative that we put in place interventions that mitigate the impact of El Niño on agriculture, the livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk, and others in the value chain, as well as its adverse effects on food supply, prices, and consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.
Government projections indicate that rice production may decline by up to 700,000 metric tons, equivalent to around 3.5 percent of the country’s annual target, if a strong El Niño develops.
In response, the DA is implementing several mitigation measures, including cloud seeding operations, the expansion of solar-powered irrigation systems, revised planting schedules based on monsoon trends, and crop diversification initiatives.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) earlier reported a 92 percent likelihood that a moderate to strong El Niño will form during the fourth quarter of 2026.
Officials also cited the damaging effects of the 2023-2024 El Niño episode, which resulted in ₱57.78 billion in agricultural losses — the largest recorded in recent years. Crops affected included rice, corn, cassava, coconut and other high-value produce, while the fisheries sector also suffered major setbacks.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that agricultural production in 2024 declined by 2.2 percent to ₱483.58 billion.
The agriculture department said it is intensifying early warning systems, promoting climate-resilient farming methods and expanding the use of modern irrigation technology to cushion the sector from the expected dry spell.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that minimizing the effects of El Niño remains crucial to protecting the country’s food security and maintaining stable market prices.