The country should prepare for the possible onset of El Niño as early as now, as the failure to implement countermeasures could sink the country deeper into crisis, a lawmaker said on Tuesday.

“El Niño will negatively impact food security and public health, and it is up to us in government to exhaust all efforts to minimize its effects on the people,” Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos said in a statement.

He said preparations should include adequate financial support to boost productivity and re-energize the country’s agriculture sector.

“The key to surviving El Niño is also the key to improving our nation’s agriculture. Hindi naman sikreto ito — kailangan natin pondohan ang (This is no secret – we need to fund) farm inputs and post-harvest facilities to make agriculture more viable for our producers,” he said.

He added the country’s crop insurance system should also be improved to ensure that small farmers are able to immediately claim their benefits during climate-related calamities.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has announced that there is a 79 percent probability of El Niño developing during the June-July-August season, with forecasts suggesting the climate phenomenon could persist until early 2027.

Bernos is also seeking the passage of House Bill No. 6519 or the Weather Ready Farmers bill, which seeks to establish a free weather index-based crop insurance (FIBCI) with an automatic payout system to help farmers cope with the effects of climate change.

He also vowed to advocate for a greater budget for the agriculture next year to help the sector weather the effects of El Niño. (PNA)