ILOILO City — With a high probability of the El Niño developing as early as June and lasting until early 2027, the government has stepped up calls for farmers and fisherfolk in Western Visayas to take urgent protective measures — including securing insurance for crops and livestock — to cushion the looming economic blow.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed the country under El Niño alert, citing a 79 percent chance that the dry weather phenomenon will emerge between June and August, raising concerns over prolonged dry spells, drought, and reduced water supply across key agricultural areas.
In response, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas issued an advisory urging stakeholders in the agriculture and fisheries sectors to prepare for the potentially severe impacts on food production and livelihoods.
El Niño is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the Philippine Sea, and warmer-than-average SSTs in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific.
According to DA Region 6 under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia, El Niño is expected to significantly disrupt agriculture and fisheries — the primary sources of food in the region.
Rising temperatures and delayed onset of rains could prolong dry periods, limiting water availability and reducing crop productivity. At the same time, stronger typhoons during the habagat season may trigger flooding and soil erosion, further damaging crops and livestock.
DA-6 outlined the following potential impacts of El Niño:
* Limited water supply
* Delayed planting schedules
* Reduced harvest yields
* Decreased arable land
* Declining soil moisture
* Increased pest and disease outbreaks affecting crops and livestock
* Higher incidence of heat stress among animals
* Fish mortality
* Widespread coral bleaching and seaweed diseases
* Flood damage and soil erosion affecting crops and livestock
To mitigate these risks, DA-6 strongly advised farmers to insure their crops with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), adopt heat-resilient and early-maturing crop varieties, and plant short-cycle crops such as beans, peanuts, and soybeans.
Farmers are also encouraged to practice crop rotation, use organic fertilizers to maintain soil quality, and implement water-saving techniques such as alternate wetting and drying, as well as low-cost drip irrigation systems.
For livestock, the agency urged vaccination, proper registration with the Bureau of Animal Industry, and insurance coverage through PCIC.
Farmers are advised to raise native breeds, ensure access to clean water, provide adequate shelter away from direct sunlight, and avoid overcrowding.
“In cases of illness, consult a licensed veterinarian clinic,” the advisory emphasized.
Meanwhile, fisherfolk are advised to properly manage feed and water usage, schedule harvesting and marketing efficiently, and install protective structures in areas exposed to intense heat.
They are also urged to monitor water quality, prevent leaks in fishponds, and protect aquatic resources from predators such as crabs and burrowing species.
The use of aerators and water circulation systems is recommended to reduce toxic gas buildup and maintain oxygen levels.
Authorities stressed that early preparation remains key to minimizing losses as the region braces for the expected impact of El Niño./PN
