The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up its preparations for the potential effects of the El Niño phenomenon on the agricultural sector, following warnings of extreme heat, rainfall shortage, and drought in the coming months.
DA expands irrigation and cold storage
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the DA is continuously expanding irrigation systems to help farmers maintain production. The department is also broadening its cold storage facilities to properly store harvests, reduce post-harvest losses, and lessen the country's reliance on imported agricultural products.
The government has allocated financial assistance for farmers who may be affected by El Niño. The Philippines depends on local food production; when yields drop due to sporadic rains, it can lead to higher prices and increased demand for imported goods.
El Niño alert based on PAGASA projections
The DA previously issued an El Niño Alert based on projections from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to the agency, there is a 79 percent probability that the country will experience El Niño effects starting in June, lasting until August 2026, and possibly extending into early 2027.
This is expected to bring extreme heat, rainfall deficiency, and drought that could cause significant damage to the agricultural sector.
Call for water conservation
In light of this, the DA is again calling on the public to conserve water to ensure adequate supply if El Niño worsens in the coming months.
