The Department of Agriculture is bolstering full-scale preparations for an intense El Niño, applying hard-won experience to safeguard farm output, secure food supplies, and protect farmers and fisherfolk from harm.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted his firsthand experience since joining in November 2023, when the current El Niño was just beginning. Those lessons now guide every step: advance stockpiles of rice, fertilizer, and key inputs; expanded warehouse capacity; and targeted aid for areas most at risk. He confirmed the country is far better positioned this time around.
An additional P6.2 billion funds fuel subsidies and assistance for farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural haulers—cushioning cost spikes from the Middle East conflict and El Niño’s projected effects through mid-2027. The department is shifting toward foliar and soil enhancers, including bio-based alternatives to urea, and tailoring solutions to local conditions.
Not all areas will face drought; some may see heavy rains. DA will boost seeding and fertilizer where conditions allow while planning for the worst-case scenario: overall output will likely dip, with palay harvest seen falling by roughly 700,000 metric tons this second half.
Storage capacity is expanding: National Food Authority warehouses now number 365—up from 300—with 165 additional rented facilities plus new cold storage to extend meat and vegetable shelf life. Cloud seeding is underway in Isabela and Negros when conditions permit. Recent monsoon rains have replenished major dams, promising steady irrigation for the next planting season.
As of September 26, El Niño damage stood at P6.87 billion, affecting 223,214 farmers across 249,028 hectares and losing 163,812 MT of produce. Encouragingly, nearly 78% of affected areas can still recover; only 22.6% are beyond restoration. Losses span rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry across 14 regions.
To date, DA has deployed P10.96 billion in interventions—P10.53 billion for seeds, fertilizers, and production support, plus P427 million in crop insurance payouts to 42,383 farmers.
