ILOILO City — With El Niño conditions now present in the tropical Pacific and expected to persist into early 2027, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas has urged farmers to take immediate steps to protect their livestock, particularly carabaos, from extreme heat that could threaten farm productivity and rural livelihoods.
The reminder comes as the planting season begins and government agencies brace for the potential impacts of a developing full-blown El Niño event, which could bring prolonged dry conditions across parts of the country.
DA Region 6 stressed that farm animals are just as vulnerable to extreme heat as humans and require additional care to remain healthy and productive.
“Hindi lamang mga tao ang naaapektuhan ng matinding init dulot ng El Niño, pati ang ating mga alagang hayop ay nangangailangan ng dagdag na pag-aaruga at proteksyon,” the agency said.
The agency advised livestock owners to ensure a steady supply of clean drinking water throughout the day, provide adequate shade and shelter, maintain nutritious feeding programs, and allow animals sufficient rest to prevent heat stress.
“Ang wastong pag-aalaga sa ating mga hayop ay hindi lamang responsibilidad kundi pagpapakita rin ng malasakit. Sa pamamagitan ng tamang kaalaman at pangangalaga, mapapanatili nating malusog at produktibo ang ating mga katuwang sa kabuhayan kahit sa panahon ng El Niño,” DA-6 added.
Particular attention should be given to carabaos, the agency said, noting their vital role in land preparation and farming operations as the wet-season planting period gets underway.
According to DA-6, carabaos remain indispensable partners of farmers in food production and agricultural work, making their welfare critical during periods of extreme heat.
“Ang pag-aalaga sa kalabaw ay pag-aalaga rin sa kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka,” the agency said.
The advisory follows a recent report from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which confirmed that El Niño conditions have emerged in the tropical Pacific after sea surface temperature anomalies reached the threshold associated with the climate phenomenon.
PAGASA said there is more than an 80-percent probability that current conditions will develop into a full-blown El Niño event and continue until early 2027.
“Additionally, most climate models suggest there is over an 80 percent probability that this will develop into a full-blown El Niño event, which is likely to persist until early 2027,” it added.
PAGASA has urged government agencies and the public to implement preparedness and response measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño, particularly in areas vulnerable to below-normal rainfall and drought conditions./PN
