DRY SPELL READY: DA readies farmer aid as El Niño looms

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Agriculture said it has prepared intervention programs for farmers and fisherfolk who may be affected by the looming El Niño phenomenon, including fuel subsidies, irrigation support, and food processing assistance.

Agriculture Undersecretary for the High Value Crops Development Program Cherryl Marie Caballero said the agency’s top management meets regularly to map out measures to lessen the impact of dry weather on the farm sector.

“These include the fuel subsidy program, which covers various farming and fishing activities,” Caballero said during a press conference on the sidelines of the Young Farmers Challenge Season 5 awarding ceremony at the Iloilo Convention Center on April 23.

She added that farmers outside the irrigation network of the National Irrigation Administration may also receive assistance for water access, particularly for the operation of solar-powered irrigation systems and fuel-powered water pumps.

The assistance is expected to benefit vegetable growers and other farmers with limited access to water sources during prolonged dry spells.

To prevent wastage of agricultural produce, the DA is also preparing food processing support for farmers’ associations and cooperatives.

Caballero said vegetables tend to mature faster during hot weather, often resulting in oversupply and lower market prices.

Through food processing, excess produce can be converted into marketable products instead of being discarded.

The government’s preparations came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised an El Niño Alert, citing a 79% chance that El Niño may emerge during the June-July-August 2026 season and likely persist until early 2027.

PAGASA said an El Niño Alert is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of El Niño, with a forecast probability of 70% or higher within the next two to three months.

The DA in Western Visayas earlier urged farmers and fisherfolk to take preventive measures, including securing crop and livestock insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

The agency also advised stakeholders to use drought-resilient crop varieties, adopt water-saving irrigation practices, and prepare livestock and aquaculture operations for extreme heat.

Authorities said early planning and timely government support remain crucial in minimizing losses as the country braces for the possible return of El Niño.