By Ferlie Gumbok

DAVAO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture Region XI (DA-XI) has urged rice farmers to shift to drought-tolerant crops as the El Niño phenomenon is expected to intensify from December 2026 to January 2027.

During Wednesday’s media forum, Joedel Leliza, Agriculturist of DA-XI, said that although El Niño began in August, moisture stress has already caused significant damage in the region. 

Before El Niño’s activation, DA-XI recorded 2,027 farmers affected, covering 1,291.71 hectares with a value loss of P713 million. When El Niño emerged in August, the number rose to 4,447 farmers, with 4,790.65 hectares damaged and a value loss of P444 million, with rice identified as the most affected crop.

Leliza emphasized that rice farmers will be most vulnerable during the reproductive stage of their crops in December. 

“Ang El Niño mag-heighten siya December and January, so those months ang standing na ng rice niyan is nasa reproductive na. Pag reproductive na, 70% of the total requirement ng buong life cycle doon ‘yung pinaka kailangan niya talaga ng water, so maapektuhan siya [rice],” he said.

(El Niño is expected to intensify in December and January. During those months, rice crops will already be in their reproductive stage. At this stage, about 70% of the plant’s total water requirement throughout its life cycle is needed. Because of this, rice production will be significantly affected.)

To mitigate losses, DA-XI is encouraging farmers to plant drought-tolerant varieties such as legumes, watermelon, and other crops resilient to moisture stress. 

Leliza added that DA-XI has funds under the Quick Response Fund to provide seedlings and fertilizers upon request.

Aside from inputs, DA-XI will also conduct climate-smart agriculture trainings, particularly for corn farmers, noting that 99% of corn areas in the region are rain-fed. These trainings will cover soil moisture testing and adaptive practices to reduce vulnerability.

DA-XI has also prepared an Action Plan with a P729 million budget, focusing on preparatory activities, maximizing production in non-vulnerable areas, and saving production in vulnerable areas. 

Leliza also noted provisions for drugs, biologics, feeds, and a P50 million buffer stock for rice seeds, assorted lowland vegetables, and other crop seeds. (FRG/PIA Davao, with photo from DA-XI)

Published Date: September 22, 2026