MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the government’s preparedness for the expected effects of the 2026-2027 El Niño, calling for long-term measures to protect farmers, fisherfolk and the country’s food supply.

Under Proposed Senate Resolution No. 515, filed on July 14, Pangilinan called on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform to assess the readiness of government agencies to respond to the anticipated dry weather conditions.

The proposed inquiry seeks to determine whether the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other concerned agencies are prepared to provide timely assistance to affected communities.

“RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, as it is hereby resolved, to direct the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the readiness of the country’s agriculture sector for the 2026 to 2027 El Niño, with the end in view of protecting farmers and fisherfolk, securing the country’s food supply, and ensuring timely and adequate government action,” the resolution read.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate agriculture committee, cited warnings from international climate experts that the ongoing El Niño could bring more intense droughts, floods, extreme heat and other severe weather events.

He also noted the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) forecast that a strong El Niño may persist from the August-September-October 2026 season through the first half of 2027.

“Napakalaking dagok na naman ito sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, pati na rin sa ating mga mamimili. Sa bawat hirap na dinadanas sa sakahan at sa ating fishing grounds, dagdag pasanin na naman sa ating mga kababayan dahil magkukulang ang supply ng pagkain at mamahal ang bilihin sa merkado,” Pangilinan said.

“Maghihintay pa ba tayo kung kailan andiyan na ang problema? Kailangan nating umaksyon ngayon na. Kailangan ng sapat na preparasyon, tulong, at suporta ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda para hindi nila pasanin mag-isa ang hirap na dala ng El Niño,” he added. “Dapat maging handa ang gobyerno na rumesponde at gumawa ng mga hakbang para sa mga pangmatagalang solusyon laban sa climate crisis.”

According to the resolution, PAGASA projects that by the end of the year, 49 provinces could experience dry spells while 29 provinces may face dry conditions. It also said prolonged dry spells and drought are highly likely during the first half of 2027.

The measure also cited a Department of Agriculture warning that a strong El Niño could reduce the country’s rice production by as much as 700,000 metric tons, potentially affecting rice supply, farmers’ incomes and food prices.

Pangilinan said reduced rainfall and declining water availability could disrupt irrigation services, delay planting, reduce agricultural and fisheries production, increase production costs and push food prices higher.

The resolution seeks to determine whether the government’s plans, funding and interventions are sufficient and ready for implementation, particularly in the areas of irrigation and water management, crop insurance, credit assistance, support for livestock and fisheries, planting schedules, and food supply contingency measures.