CAPIZ – Capiz is among 12 areas nationwide expected to experience meteorological drought by the end of November, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of worsening dry conditions due to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon.
The state weather bureau projected that the dry conditions would intensify toward the end of the year, potentially affecting water supply, agricultural production, and power systems across parts of Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao through 2027.
Based on PAGASA’s latest climate outlook, the areas expected to experience drought include Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes in the Bicol Region.
In the Visayas, these are Capiz, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte, while the areas in Mindanao include Misamis Oriental and the City of Isabela in Basilan.
PAGASA also projected that 57 other areas nationwide would experience dry spells, while 11 areas would have preliminary dry conditions by the end of November.
The drought outlook raises concerns over agricultural production, particularly in provinces like Capiz, where farming communities are vulnerable to prolonged periods of below-normal rainfall.
In response to the worsening El Niño impacts, Capiz Gov. Fredenil H. Castro convened the Provincial El Niño Action Planning Workshop to strengthen the province’s preparedness and response measures.
The activity brought together key agricultural officials and local stakeholders to assess municipal situation reports and coordinate immediate interventions for affected farming communities.
El Niño has already damaged 8,311.06 hectares of agricultural land in Capiz, highlighting the need for intensified mitigation and assistance measures.
During the workshop, participants discussed the situation in affected municipalities and identified appropriate relief and response strategies to help farmers cope with the prolonged dry conditions./PN
