Photo courtesy of the Provincial Agriculture Office.
The Department of Agriculture in the Ilocos Region has intensified preparations against the expected effects of El Niño as forecasts pointed to prolonged dry conditions that could threaten crops and livestock.
Agriculture officials said regional and local monitoring activities had been expanded to closely track farm conditions, crop performance, and potential drought-related damage in vulnerable communities.
The agency also launched information campaigns through community engagements, radio broadcasts, and online platforms to help farmers prepare for possible water shortages and changing weather patterns.
An operations center was activated to strengthen coordination with local government units and ensure faster assessment of areas that may be affected by reduced rainfall.
Officials said they were working closely with the National Irrigation Administration and local governments to manage irrigation schedules, identify high-risk farming zones, and maximize available water resources.
To reduce the impact of a potential dry spell, the DA continued the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities while preparing support equipment such as water pumps, engine sets, and solar-powered irrigation systems.
The agency also readied intervention packages that include rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, as well as veterinary medicines and biologics to protect livestock from diseases that may emerge during prolonged hot weather.
Pagasa earlier reported that El Niño conditions had already developed in the tropical Pacific and could persist until early 2027. The weather bureau warned that below-normal rainfall may affect many parts of the country, increasing the risk of drought, particularly in agricultural areas dependent on regular rainfall.