MANILA — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Monday, November 9, that groundwater sources across the Philippines remain largely unaffected by the ongoing severe El Niño, despite worsening dry conditions that have disrupted irrigation systems and agricultural production.
OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said authorities have yet to receive significant reports of water shortages affecting communities, although reduced rainfall has already taken a toll on farming activities.
“Pero kung sa komunidad, mga kakulangan sa tubig, wala pa tayong significant na na-i-u-ulat na ganyan because ‘yung mga sources of groundwater naman natin ay hindi pa naman ‘yun apektado,” Castillo said in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas.
He explained that the prolonged lack of rainfall has primarily affected irrigation systems, limiting the availability of water for agricultural production in several regions.
According to Castillo, 109 local government units (LGUs) have declared a state of calamity due to the effects of El Niño.
Of these, 66 LGUs are located in Cagayan Valley, while the remaining affected areas are in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN and Caraga.
Castillo said agricultural losses attributed to the prolonged dry conditions have reached approximately Php 6.5 billion.
The government has implemented various assistance programs to support farmers and communities affected by the weather phenomenon.
Around 10,000 farmers have received livelihood assistance, while approximately 196,000 individuals have benefited from employment opportunities under programs administered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Castillo also reported that the government has distributed cash assistance to about 77,000 farmers in Cagayan and another 26,000 farmers in Camarines Norte.
The assistance is intended to help agricultural workers cope with income losses and other economic difficulties caused by reduced rainfall and disruptions to farming activities.
While groundwater supplies remain stable, the OCD continues to monitor the impact of El Niño, particularly in agricultural communities where irrigation shortages have already affected crop production.
The agency emphasized the importance of continued government assistance and coordination with local authorities to address the needs of affected farmers and residents.
