ILOILO — Drought has so far devastated 3,792 hectares of agricultural land across seven municipalities in Iloilo province, inflicting more than P124 million in crop losses and affecting nearly 6,000 farmers as the province braces for a potentially prolonged El Niño phenomenon extending into early 2027.
The Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) reported that agricultural damage had reached P124,257,014.90 as of October 7, with 5,956 farmers suffering losses from insufficient rainfall that has damaged rice plantations and high-value crops.
The affected municipalities are Lambunao, San Enrique, Dueñas, Banate, Janiuay, Bingawan and Lemery.
Dueñas, among the hardest-hit municipalities, has already declared a state of calamity as prolonged dry conditions continue to threaten agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods.
PAO acting head Geron Magbanua earlier disclosed that Dueñas had experienced nearly three months of insufficient rainfall, leaving rice plantations severely stressed and crops withering because of inadequate water.
“Nagkalalaya ang ila mga tanum nga mga palay,” Magbanua said, describing the deterioration of rice crops in the municipality.
The mounting agricultural losses have prompted Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. to order the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and other concerned departments to formulate a comprehensive response plan against the anticipated effects of El Niño.
The weather phenomenon, which provincial officials expect to begin making its effects felt this October and potentially persist until the first quarter of 2027, could further aggravate water shortages and agricultural damage.
“Isa-isahon ta ang interventions. Nahimu ta na dya before (referring to the past El Niño). Indi ni sia maglayo diri sang El Niño kag ang drought nga ini,” Defensor said.
The governor emphasized that the provincial government’s immediate concern is ensuring sufficient water for both household consumption and agricultural production, particularly in communities vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.
As part of its preparations, the provincial government is considering allocating funds for fuel to support fire trucks and other government vehicles that may be deployed to transport water to communities experiencing shortages.
“Ang practical situation sina dira nga may mga banwa kita nga nagasag-ob. Isa sa halimbawa kag sigurado nga preparahan naton kag makabulig kita sa fuel sang truck sang BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) kag iban pa nga nagabulig hakot sang tubig. Mabulig kita hatag sang kapasidad nga magtasok ukon motor kay sang nagligad ang ginakuhaan naton is ang deep wells,” Defensor added.
The governor said the province could also provide pumping equipment and other logistical assistance to help municipalities draw water from deep wells and alternative sources.
Beyond agriculture and water supply, the provincial government is preparing measures to protect residents from the health risks associated with extreme heat.
Defensor reiterated the importance of executive orders issued during previous dry spells, including restrictions on outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, the establishment of air-conditioned facilities for individuals with comorbidities, and energy conservation measures in government offices.
Despite the mounting crop losses, Defensor said he is not currently considering declaring a province-wide state of calamity due to El Niño, maintaining that mitigation measures are already in place and funds are available to support emergency interventions.
The provincial government has identified a P82-million quick response fund and a P138-million trust fund that could be tapped, subject to applicable regulations, to address the effects of the prolonged dry conditions.
The combined P220 million in available funds could provide financial support for water distribution, emergency response and other measures intended to cushion vulnerable communities against the anticipated effects of El Niño.
With thousands of farmers already affected and agricultural losses exceeding P124 million, the province faces mounting pressure to implement its drought-response measures before worsening water shortages inflict further damage on agricultural production and household water supplies.
The situation also underscores the urgency of strengthening irrigation systems, securing alternative water sources and ensuring that drought-prone communities are adequately prepared for another prolonged dry spell./PN
