QUEZON, Philippines — Nearly 6,800 hectares of agricultural land in Quezon province have been affected by dry conditions associated with El Niño, prompting four municipalities to declare a state of calamity.
The municipalities of Alabat, Jomalig, General Nakar and Guinayangan have declared a state of calamity, according to data from the Office of Civil Defense released in October 2026.
The declarations allow local governments to access their quick response funds to address the needs of residents affected by the prolonged dry spell.
Agricultural data showed that 6,130 hectares of rice fields, 200 hectares of corn plantations and 436 hectares planted with vegetables and other crops had been affected. The combined area totaled 6,766 hectares.
Among the areas reporting dry conditions were Tagkawayan, Polillo, Mulanay, Catanauan, San Narciso, General Luna, Jomalig and Alabat.
Quezon Gov. Helen Tan has directed local governments to submit reports detailing the extent of agricultural damage and identifying communities requiring assistance. The reports are intended to guide relief and response measures based on the actual conditions in affected areas.
During a meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Assessment and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Oct. 20, 2026, officials discussed the impact of the dry spell on agriculture and preparations for a possible prolonged drought.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has projected that El Niño could persist until early 2027, potentially bringing below-normal rainfall and drier conditions to parts of the country.
In preparation, agricultural offices are promoting water storage in farm reservoirs, the preparation of seeds, seedlings and fertilizers, and farming practices suited to dry conditions.
Authorities are also strengthening monitoring of crop pests and diseases that could further affect agricultural production.
Coordination with water service providers is being prepared to allow the possible deployment of water tankers to communities at risk of water shortages.
Long-term measures include improving irrigation systems, promoting crop diversification and providing farmers with training to strengthen their capacity to cope with prolonged dry conditions.
