Drought has affected 6,752.15 hectares of agricultural land across eight municipalities in Iloilo, causing an estimated P232.54 million in damages and affecting 9,472 farmers, according to the latest provincial disaster council report as of October 12, 2026.
The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (Iloilo PDRRMC) reviewed the drought situation during a meeting that also tackled preparations for El Niño and updates on the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation.
The affected municipalities are Lambunao, San Enrique, Dueñas, Banate, Janiuay, Bingawan, Lemery and Concepcion. Reported damage covers rice, corn and high-value commercial crops.
To mitigate the drought’s impact, the council discussed irrigation support to maintain water access and protect standing crops, as well as the use of solar-powered pumps to provide more reliable and potentially lower-cost irrigation.
Cloud seeding was also raised as a possible intervention to augment rainfall and help ease drought conditions.
The council likewise reviewed concerns surrounding the RSSI infestation as the province continues to address agricultural threats and strengthen disaster preparedness.
The reported losses underscore the need for sustained interventions to protect crops and support farmers as drought conditions persist.IMT
