The Iloilo City Government has begun preparing its agriculture sector for the possible effects of El Niño as early as 2025, accelerating the distribution of farm inputs and providing water conservation support to farmers ahead of the dry spell.
Iñigo Garingalao of the City Agriculturist’s Office said the preparations were initiated upon the directive of Mayor Raisa Treñas following forecasts of a Strong to Very Strong El Niño.
One of the office’s initial measures was to fast-track the distribution of rice seeds and other agricultural inputs, with assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA-6)
The intervention aims to help farmers complete their planting and harvesting activities before the effects of El Niño intensify. The second cropping of rice is targeted for harvest by late January or early February 2027.
For vegetable growers, the city distributed 500 drums for rainwater harvesting and storage, providing an alternative water source for crops during the dry season.
The city also provided shade nets to protect leafy vegetables, including lettuce, pechay, bok choy and mustard greens, from excessive heat.
The City Agriculturist’s Office is monitoring farmers’ water sources and recommending crops that require less water, such as sweet potatoes, corn and peanuts, as well as other vegetables.
Additional assistance from the DA-6 is also expected, including 580 bags of organic fertilizer and planting materials.
Garingalao said the effects of El Niño on farmers and vegetable growers in the city remain manageable, with no severe impacts reported so far.
However, the office continues to monitor conditions and prepare interventions to minimize possible losses in agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods.
The measures form part of Treñas’ directive to prioritize the agriculture and fisheries sectors to help secure the city’s food supply and strengthen local production.IMT
