The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Eastern Visayas is strengthening climate monitoring and providing farmers with localized weather information as a worsening El Niño threatens agriculture, water resources, and other sectors in the region.
DOST-8 Regional Director Glenn Ocaña said agriculture is particularly vulnerable because many farmers in Eastern Visayas continue to rely on rainfall to irrigate their fields.
‘This will have a major impact on us, especially on the agriculture sector because it is the most affected sector. That is why we have to prepare,’ Ocaña said during a media conference Thursday.
Rolling out automatic weather stations
As part of its preparations, DOST-8 is rolling out automatic weather stations (AWS) in the region, including one installed on Sept. 30 in Barangay Lower Hiraan, a farming area in Carigara, Leyte.
The AWS was installed under Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry) to provide localized, near-real-time weather and climate information that farmers and local officials can use for farm activities and in responding to weather-related risks.
Ocaña said prolonged dry conditions could affect irrigation systems and eventually reduce farm production, particularly in areas dependent on rainfall.
The weather station will provide data for crop-specific advisories, including information on rainfall and other weather conditions that may affect planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
Through the SARAI Knowledge Portal, farmers and other users can also access six-day weather forecasts and other agricultural information.
The portal also features a real-time agricultural monitoring system that uses satellite data to provide near-real-time information on agricultural areas. This can help users monitor crop conditions and identify possible effects of drought, flooding, vegetation stress, and water-related problems.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a strong El Niño was present in the tropical Pacific as of Sept. 23 and could intensify into a very strong event between September and December 2026, and persist through the first half of 2027.
El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, which can result in dry spells and drought in some areas. Prolonged rainfall deficits can affect agriculture, water resources, energy production, public health, and other economic activities.
Pagasa’s latest agricultural assessment showed that Central and Eastern Visayas experienced significantly drier-than-normal conditions in August, with dry conditions persisting since May.
The agency warned that rain-fed rice and corn are particularly vulnerable to moisture stress, while prolonged dry conditions could delay crop development and reduce yields without appropriate interventions.
Effects could go beyond farm production
For Eastern Visayas, the effects could extend beyond farm production. Reduced rainfall may affect water supplies, while lower agricultural output could affect food availability, farm incomes, and businesses dependent on agriculture.
The energy sector could also be affected. Prolonged drought can reduce water availability for hydropower generation, while higher temperatures can increase electricity demand as households and businesses use more cooling equipment.
Public health risks
Public health is another concern. Hotter conditions associated with El Niño can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Reduced water availability may also create additional sanitation and health concerns.
Despite the generally drier conditions, Pagasa has cautioned that localized heavy rainfall may still occur, particularly when tropical cyclones or the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, affect the country.
Ocaña urged farmers to regularly monitor advisories from PAGASA, an attached agency of DOST, and use the information on when to plant, what crops to grow, and when to carry out other farm activities.