El Niño Philippines 2026 is raising concerns over agricultural production and food security as prolonged dry conditions affect farming communities across the country. Twenty senators are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a State of Calamity in affected areas, citing mounting agricultural losses and the need for faster government assistance.

Twenty senators are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a State of Calamity in areas affected by the strong El Niño phenomenon, citing mounting agricultural losses and growing concerns over the impact on Filipino farmers and vulnerable communities.

The appeal is contained in Proposed Senate Resolution No. 765, led by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform.

The resolution calls for stronger government intervention, including the immediate release of disaster-response funds, agricultural assistance, irrigation support, and food aid for communities experiencing the effects of prolonged dry conditions.

Department of Agriculture figures reported in November showed that agricultural damage and losses had reached approximately ₱8.57 billion as of October 21, affecting 14 regions across the country.

PAGASA has also warned that the country could continue experiencing below-normal rainfall as Very Strong El Niño conditions persist. The weather phenomenon is expected to remain a concern into the first half of 2027, raising fears of further damage to crops, water shortages, and declining agricultural production.

The impact is also being felt in Mindanao. In Davao Region, agricultural losses reportedly reached approximately ₱584.68 million, affecting thousands of farmers and thousands of hectares of farmland.

The proposed declaration could help speed up government assistance and disaster-response measures in affected areas. Possible interventions include financial support for farmers, crop insurance, irrigation projects, and assistance for households struggling with limited water supplies and rising food costs.

However, the senators’ appeal does not mean a State of Calamity has already been declared. The proposal still requires appropriate government action.

With El Niño expected to continue affecting weather conditions in the coming months, lawmakers are pressing the administration to act before agricultural losses increase further and more Filipino families experience the consequences of prolonged drought.