Philippines ramps up drought response as El Niño threatens farms and health

As El Niño intensifies toward a very strong phase by the end of 2026, agriculture and health agencies in the Philippines are scaling up emergency measures. Field assessments by the Department of Agriculture revealed damage to staple and high-value crops, as well as livestock, across Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and other areas. The agency has installed numerous water pumps and provided production support and crop-insurance payouts.

In Oriental Mindoro, the provincial disaster office is reinforcing the El Niño task force to address expected dry spells and limited rainfall through March 2027. Meanwhile, Zambales’ Provincial Health Officer has ordered hospitals to secure water reserves, backup power and essential medicines to mitigate heat stress, dehydration and vector-borne diseases. Officials continue to monitor weather patterns and coordinate with the National Irrigation Administration to target vulnerable zones.