The Department of Agriculture (DA) is accelerating irrigation projects, preparing emergency assistance and coordinating with other government agencies to cushion the impact of a potentially severe El Niño expected to peak early next year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. outlined the government’s preparations during Wednesday’s Senate budget hearing, saying the DA is shifting toward a coordinated response that would allow agencies to pool resources and deliver assistance based on the needs of affected communities.

“We’re pooling now our funds,” Tiu Laurel said, referring to discussions with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

He said the arrangement would allow farmers and fisherfolk who lose their livelihoods to receive cash assistance, food packs or temporary employment through government programs, including canal construction and land preparation.

The DA is also coordinating with the Department of Health and Office of Civil Defense to strengthen the response.

Tiu Laurel cited Camarines Norte, where the DSWD provided assistance to communities affected by El Niño, as an example of how agencies could respond using their available resources rather than waiting for additional DA funding.

Water, production safeguards

On the production side, Tiu Laurel said the department is fast-tracking solar-powered irrigation systems, with PHP1.6 billion allocated for the initiative this year and additional funding being considered for 2027.

The DA is also preparing solar-powered paddle wheels to maintain oxygen levels in fishponds and lakes during extreme heat, reducing the risk of fish kills.

“Water management is critical,” he said.

The department is working with the National Irrigation Administration to implement alternate wetting and drying techniques that would conserve water while sustaining crop production.

Tiu Laurel also proposed additional funding for fertilizer vouchers or cash assistance to prevent farmers from reducing fertilizer application because of rising prices.

He warned that some farmers might cut fertilizer use from 10 bags to five bags per hectare, potentially affecting yields even in areas where irrigation remains available.

The DA intends to concentrate additional production support in areas with sufficient water to help offset harvest losses in drought-stricken provinces.

Other planned interventions include small water impounding facilities, fuel assistance, seed distribution and logistics support.

Senate seeks readiness plan

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian pressed the DA to provide a comprehensive assessment of its preparedness, including projected agricultural losses, available funding and additional measures needed before El Niño reaches its peak.

The latest forecast cited by Tiu Laurel places the strongest effects between January and April 2027, later than the earlier November 2026 projection.

Under the department’s worst-case scenario, as many as 4.6 million farmers and fisherfolk could be affected, with agricultural damage potentially reaching PHP20 billion and about 350,000 hectares of farmland impacted.

Gatchalian said the government must prepare for simultaneous disruptions to employment, agricultural production and food supply.

“We really need to make sure na ang gobyerno ay handa (that the government is prepared),” he said.

The DA is also counting on the PHP10-billion Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk allocation included in the House-approved 2027 spending bill to provide direct cash assistance to affected producers.

However, Tiu Laurel acknowledged that the amount alone would be insufficient under the worst-case projection, underscoring the need for assistance from other agencies.

Gatchalian said the Senate’s special committee on economic recovery would also examine the government’s El Niño response and requested a detailed briefing on the measures being prepared.

He directed the DA to submit its readiness plan, including the budget components intended to address the drought and possible areas requiring additional congressional support.

Tiu Laurel committed to providing the requested information, emphasizing that investments in water infrastructure and agricultural support would also strengthen the sector’s ability to withstand future El Niño episodes. (PNA)