“Climate information must be utilized before a crisis strikes,” said Solidum Jr. To prepare for El Niño during the final quarter of 2026, the Department of Agriculture Bicol is organizing P3.3 billion in interventions and aid for fisherfolk and farmers as the region braces for El Niño in the last quarter of 2026. DA Bicol information officer Lovella Guarin stated that the package covers crop insurance, irrigation, seeds, farm machinery and other support to address impending weather conditions.
P3.3 Billion Assistance Package Allocations
The total allocation includes P763.8 million designated for DA Bicol programs and P862 million dedicated to irrigation development. The funding provides P408.3 million in crop insurance indemnities intended for 225,736 farmers across the region. Guarin noted that the package further distributes P302.6 million for certified rice seeds and P249.8 million worth of farm machinery. An additional P188.7 million has been allocated to the Philippine Coconut Authority, the Agricultural Training Institute, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, the Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Did You Know? According to DA Bicol information officer Lovella Guarin, over P520 million in aid had already been given to farmers impacted by the lack of rainfall between June and September.
Drought Damage and Agricultural Losses in Bicol
The dry spell has already caused P235.8 million in agricultural losses, affecting 8,009 farmers in the region. Rice accounted for P192.6 million, representing 81 percent of the total recorded losses. Masbate reported the largest affected area at 2,794 hectares. DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla announced that the regional office will submit a P344-million rehabilitation plan to the DA central office for funding.
Additional reports from DA Bicol indicate that 3,802.54 hectares of land were affected, leading to 4,297.96 metric tons of production loss totaling P157,015,009.71. Yellow corn losses totaled P17,683,970 across 269.97 hectares, with Camarines Sur losing P10,848,800, Sorsogon P6,817,770, and Camarines Norte P17,400. White corn losses reached P14,535,874 over 332.40 hectares, including P11,813,824 in Camarines Norte, P1,872,000 in Albay, and P850,050 in Masbate. High-value crops saw P25,504,361.83 in losses over 831.09 hectares, primarily in Camarines Norte at P25,464,361.83 and Sorsogon at P40,000, while 5.59 hectares of cassava resulted in P122,050 in damages.
DSWD Bicol regional director Norman Laurio said his agency provided food packs to 11,055 families in Catanduanes, Albay, and Camarines Sur. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council noted these 11,055 families comprise more than 49,200 individuals.
Agriculture department plans shallow tube wells and drought-tolerant crops
During a visit to Camarines Norte and Sorsogon, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that more than 100 shallow tube wells would be installed in farms possessing available water sources. The department is actively procuring fertilizer, solar pumps, and irrigation systems while preparing to distribute drought-tolerant crops such as mung beans, corn, and selected vegetables. Fuel assistance is also scheduled for November to support farmers operating machinery and fisherfolk running boats.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered agencies to prevent severe drought and water shortages. Castro noted that NIA Administrator Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen developed a mitigation plan using Mines and Geosciences Bureau groundwater maps to locate water sources for solar-powered pump irrigation. NIA will repair old systems, maintain solar pumps, and deploy mobile solar pumps to water-stressed areas. The agency will also clear and desilt irrigation canals. Simultaneously, the DENR is establishing rainwater harvesting systems and small water impounding structures to secure water and prevent grass and forest fires.
National Health and Weather Warnings
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned that El Niño may persist until mid-next year, intensifying between September and December. Health officials have warned the public about heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke, noting symptoms such as slurred speech, confusion, high body temperature, convulsion, and loss of consciousness. The DOH recommends drinking eight to 10 glasses of water daily, wearing lightweight clothing, and limiting physical activity in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the P3.3 billion assistance package cover?
The package covers crop insurance, irrigation, seeds, farm machinery, and other agricultural support managed by DA Bicol and partner agencies.
How much agricultural loss has been recorded so far?
The dry spell has caused P235.8 million in agricultural losses, impacting 8,009 farmers, with rice accounting for P192.6 million of the total.
Which province reported the largest affected area during the dry spell?
Masbate reported the largest affected area, measuring 2,794 hectares.
“If you notice signs of heat stroke, bring the patient immediately to a nearest health facility or call the National Emergency Hotline 911 for assistance,” the DOH said.