May 11, 2026

 

Ilocos Norte, Philippines, steps up preparations to protect agriculture against El Niño impact

 

 

As El Niño conditions intensify across the Philippines, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte is scaling up preparedness measures to protect agriculture and water resources, which are critical to food security.

 

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said the province is already experiencing the effects of extreme heat and reduced rainfall, with farmers among the most affected sectors.

 

"We are starting to feel the effects of the drought, and our farmers are the first to be impacted," she said.

 

To address water shortages, the provincial government is rehabilitating small water impounding systems to improve irrigation and storage capacity. It is also identifying alternative water sources to support farming communities during the dry spell.

 

Farmers, particularly those in rain-fed areas, reported increased production costs due to limited water supply and higher fuel expenses for irrigation.

 

Jonathan Bumanglag, president of a farmers' association in Laoag City, said shifting to drought-resistant crops is one coping strategy.

 

"We are adjusting by planting crops that require less water," he said, while noting continued reliance on government support such as fuel subsidies and farm inputs.

 

Residents are also being encouraged to adopt water conservation practices at the household level to help manage limited supply.

 

The provincial government said its ongoing interventions aim to reduce agricultural losses and strengthen long-term resilience against climate-related disruptions.

- Philippine Information Agency