ILOILO City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on May 15 released an advisory warning farmers and fisherfolk across the country, including those in Western Visayas, to prepare for the possible onset of El Niño in the coming months.
The advisory came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that there is a high likelihood of El Niño developing between June and August 2026 and continuing until the early part of 2027. PAGASA earlier placed the country under an “El Niño Alert” following forecasts showing warming sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.
According to the DA, the weather phenomenon may bring unusually high temperatures, below-normal rainfall and possible drought conditions that could affect agricultural production and fisheries activities.
The agency warned that farms may experience water shortages, delayed planting and lower crop yields, while livestock could suffer from heat stress and increased disease risks. The fisheries sector may also face fish kills, coral bleaching and seaweed-related diseases due to warmer waters.
Western Visayas, known for its rice farms, sugar-producing areas and coastal fishing communities, remains vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions, especially in provinces dependent on irrigation and rain-fed agriculture.
To lessen the impact, the DA said it has begun coordinating with various agencies and regional offices for drought mitigation and agricultural support measures. These include stockpiling farm inputs, identifying drought-prone areas, strengthening pest and disease monitoring, and assessing irrigation systems together with the National Irrigation Administration.
The agency also encouraged farmers to shift planting schedules, use drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops, and adopt water-conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting and alternate wetting and drying methods.
Fisherfolk, meanwhile, were advised to regularly check water quality in fishponds, reinforce dikes and ensure proper feeding and aeration systems for aquatic stocks.
Recent PAGASA climate outlooks showed that moderate to strong El Niño conditions could emerge later this year if ocean warming continues.
Local government units and disaster management offices have also started sharing heat and drought preparedness reminders on social media as authorities monitor the developing climate pattern./PN
