Panay farmers, fisherfolk sound El Niño alarm, demand state aid

By Juliane Judilla

Farmers and fisherfolk groups in Panay have raised alarm over the worsening effects of El Niño, warning that the phenomenon could bring severe drought, crop losses, and loss of livelihood without immediate government intervention.

Paghugpong sang mga Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras (PAMANGGAS) and the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA)-Panay said the recurring effects of El Niño have grown increasingly devastating for farmers, farmworkers, and small fishers over the years.

PAMANGGAS said rising oil prices, driven by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East involving the United States and Iran, have further burdened farmers who depend on fuel-powered equipment and transport.

The group added that the combined effects of El Niño and the Rice Liberalization Law continue to push farmers deeper into poverty.

“The danger we are facing is not just an ordinary dry season, but a possible Super El Niño,” the group said, explaining that sea surface temperatures may rise by 2 degrees Celsius or higher above normal levels.

Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the groups said there is a 62 percent probability of El Niño occurring from June to August, rising to 82 percent toward the end of the year.

The worst impacts are expected between October and December.

Based on reports gathered by PAMANGGAS from provinces across Panay Island in April and May, water levels at the Maasin Dam have already reached critical levels.

Extreme heat has also severely affected vegetable crops and livestock. Farmers reported delays in plowing because hardened soil from the prolonged dry spell has disrupted planting cycles.

“This will have a huge impact on agriculture and food security,” the group stressed.

PAMALAKAYA said fisherfolk face similar hardships, struggling with rising fuel costs while relying on small motorized boats for their livelihood.

The group also criticized the continued entry of commercial fishing vessels into waters reserved for municipal fishers.

“In the midst of the fuel crisis, another crisis is emerging,” PAMALAKAYA said.

The militant fisherfolk group said El Niño should not be treated merely as a “dry” or “hot” season, but as a calamity threatening the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.

The group warned that unusually warm ocean currents may increase incidents of red tide and fish kills, leaving local fishing communities with little or no catch.

Both organizations called for immediate and decisive government action, including subsidies and emergency aid for farmers and fisherfolk, and the allocation of calamity funds for vulnerable sectors during the dry season.

The groups also renewed calls for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and for the regulation of fuel prices.

PAMANGGAS reiterated its demand for genuine agrarian reform and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

PAMALAKAYA, for its part, urged the government to declare a state of imminent disaster — citing Republic Act 12287  — before the El Niño crisis worsens.

The group also called for the reversal of the “Mercidar ruling” and the restoration of municipal fishing waters exclusively for small local fishers.