Sen. Francis Pangilinan has urged the national government to immediately develop province-by-province preparedness plans for the intensifying El Niño, particularly to protect farmers, fisherfolk and families from drought and water shortages.
He called on the DA, NIA, BFAR, PAGASA and LGUs to identify high-risk areas, available irrigation water, affected crops and fishing communities, as well as specific officials and interventions needed before losses occur.
Pangilinan also urged faster rehabilitation of irrigation systems, distribution of drought-tolerant seeds and identification of reliable water sources for farming communities facing prolonged dry conditions.
He proposed rapid crop-loss assessments, affordable credit, insurance and recovery assistance for affected farmers and fisherfolk, along with closer monitoring of fishing grounds and coastal areas.
PAGASA said the current El Niño could intensify to a “Very Strong” level and persist into the first half of 2027, while Pangilinan backed the reactivation of the Presidential Task Force on El Niño and proposed a public dashboard to track drought risks, water availability, losses and government assistance.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 29, 2026
