President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered early rice imports and livelihood assistance for farmers as the Philippines prepares for a “super El Niño” that could disrupt agricultural production, water supplies and electricity generation through March 2027.
Marcos said Sunday that the government expects an unusually prolonged dry spell to begin in late October or early November, with some effects already emerging. He said contingency measures were being finalized amid criticism from farmer groups over the administration’s readiness.
The President said the ongoing rice harvest remains unaffected, but warned that water shortages could jeopardize the next planting season, raising concerns about future supply and price stability.
“Alam nyo naman, hangga’t maaari ayoko mag-import. Pero sabi ko mag-import na kayo para tiyak tayo na meron tayong supply,” Marcos said, explaining his decision to secure additional rice supplies ahead of potential production shortfalls.
He said pork and beef supplies remain sufficient, while chicken production exceeds demand. Vegetables could face greater pressure because of limited irrigation, highlighting the uneven impact drought may have across food sectors.
The government is preparing cloud-seeding operations, water conservation campaigns and household rainwater collection initiatives. Hospitals will receive priority access to backup power, fuel and medical supplies in anticipation of possible electricity disruptions.
For farmers whose livelihoods are threatened by drought, assistance could include emergency employment and skills training through programs involving the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The administration is also considering alternative learning arrangements if extreme heat forces class disruptions.
Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Social Welfare and Development to submit detailed response plans in the coming week. These will be consolidated into a coordinated national preparedness program.
The scale of the response will depend on how severely dry conditions develop and how effectively agencies deliver assistance. While early imports could help cushion rice supply risks, sustained drought could still strain farm incomes, irrigation systems and household budgets, underscoring the challenge of balancing immediate food security with longer-term agricultural resilience.
