CAPIZ – The provincial government of Capiz has intensified its mitigation and response efforts against El Niño after the dry spell affected more than 8,300 hectares of agricultural land across the province.
Led by Gov. Fredenil H. Castro, the provincial government convened the Provincial El Niño Action Planning Workshop on October 27, 2026, at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Building in Barangay Lanot, Roxas City.
The workshop gathered representatives of key agricultural agencies and local stakeholders to assess municipal situation reports on the impact of the dry spell on farming activities and rural livelihoods.
Data from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System (DRRMIS) showed that El Niño had affected 8,311.06 hectares of farmland across Capiz.
Of the total affected area, 7,358.86 hectares were partially damaged, while 952.20 hectares were totally damaged.
During the workshop, participating agencies and commodity programs presented updates on the agricultural situation, climate-adaptive technologies, and recommended interventions to minimize crop losses and protect affected farming communities.
The National Irrigation Administration and Bureau of Soils and Water Management discussed water management and irrigation scheduling support, while the Philippine Rice Research Institute presented climate-resilient farming technologies and seed recommendations.
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation also provided updates on crop insurance claims and financial assistance processing.
Meanwhile, the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division and Regional Crop Pest Management Center discussed the deployment of agricultural machinery and pest monitoring measures.
Intervention plans were also presented for the rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock sectors.
Through the initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen coordination among agencies, expedite the delivery of assistance, minimize agricultural production losses, and safeguard food security amid the continuing El Niño conditions./PN
