QPPD maps El Niño-vulnerable areas to protect Quezon agriculture

By Jay B. Laurino Quezon Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Russell C. Narte discusses development planning during th...

By Jay B. Laurino

Quezon Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Russell C. Narte discusses development planning during the formulation of San Francisco’s Local Development Investment Program (LDIP) 2026–2028, held September 8–10, 2026. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Farmers across Quezon face growing uncertainty over planting schedules, water availability, and livestock production as El Niño threatens prolonged dry conditions. The provincial government is identifying vulnerable agricultural communities and gathering data to determine which areas need targeted interventions before potential losses escalate.

Quezon Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Russell C. Narte, EnP, said varying weather conditions across the province require authorities to assess agricultural risks in individual municipalities rather than adopt a uniform response. Provincial planners are examining potentially affected areas, identifying suitable crops, and determining which livestock operations could face difficulties as rainfall declines.

The assessment comes as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns that the prevailing strong El Niño could intensify into a very strong episode and persist through the first half of 2027. In its September 23 advisory, the weather bureau urged government agencies and climate-sensitive sectors to prepare for possible dry spells, drought, and water shortages as rainfall patterns change.

PAGASA weather specialist Bernadeth Lucillo warned that CALABARZON could experience rainfall reductions of 20 to 60 percent in October, with shortages potentially worsening during the early months of 2027. By February and March, rainfall deficits could exceed 60 percent across much of the region, although these projections do not mean that every municipality will experience identical conditions or agricultural losses.

To address the threat, the provincial government has established a task force to coordinate preparations as authorities examine agricultural vulnerabilities across Quezon. Narte emphasized that the government must study conditions carefully and rely on evidence before selecting measures for communities facing different levels of exposure.

Narte cautioned against pursuing solutions without first establishing the problems that prolonged dry conditions could create for agricultural communities. His explanation linked the task force's preparations to the need for a clearer understanding of local conditions before authorities determine appropriate responses.

"Nag-create na ang government ng task force para harapin ang El Niño. Mahirap magpatupad ng mga solusyon nang basta-basta, kaya kailangan munang pag-aralan ang sitwasyon at tiyaking evidence-based ang pag-handle sa mga problemang maaaring maranasan ng mga komunidad." Narte said.

For farmers, the assessment could help determine which crops are suitable for particular locations and what agricultural assistance may be necessary as rainfall declines. Livestock raisers could likewise require support if prolonged dry weather strains water supplies and affects the availability of feed needed to sustain animal production.

Narte explained that provincial planners are consolidating information on crops and livestock to establish the potential effects of El Niño on agricultural communities. Identifying these conditions would allow authorities to develop responses that correspond to actual local needs rather than introduce measures that may prove unsuitable for particular areas.

"Nasa phase pa kami ng pag-collate ng data para malaman kung aling mga lugar, crops, at livestock ang posibleng maapektuhan. Kailangan naming makuha ang mga impormasyong ito para matukoy kung anong solusyon ang angkop sa mga problemang maaaring idulot ng El Niño." Narte added.

Quezon's varied agricultural landscape presents different challenges for municipalities that depend on distinct crops, water resources, and weather conditions. PAGASA also cautions that El Niño does not eliminate the possibility of substantial rainfall from other weather systems, making localized assessments important in preparing for agricultural disruptions.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and the League of Municipal Agriculture Officers, Municipal and City Agriculturists of the Philippines (LEMMCAP) Quezon Chapter strengthened coordination during their October 1–2 quarterly meeting at M.I. Sevilla Resort and Hotel in Domoit, Lucena City. Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Liza Mariano led discussions on possible El Niño preparedness projects and reaffirmed the provincial government's continued support for farmers and fisherfolk.

Department of Agriculture Quezon Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer John Oliver Sarmiento and DA Central Office Director Joseph Manicad, who joined virtually, presented updates on agricultural programs and projects. Municipal and city agriculturists also raised local concerns, reviewed upcoming activities, and discussed possible measures to address challenges confronting their respective communities.

During the meeting, OPA and local agricultural officers discussed possible projects to strengthen preparedness for El Niño alongside existing programs for farmers and fisherfolk. The provincial planning office continues its assessment of affected locations, crops, and livestock to help guide the government's agricultural response.