El Niño Farm Losses Hit P8.57B as Visayas, Davao Affected
The Department of Agriculture counts P8.57 billion in El Niño farm losses across 14 regions, including Central Visayas and Davao, with the dry spell forecast to last into 2027.
In this article
El Niño farm losses in the Philippines have reached P8.57 billion in damage and losses, according to a Department of Agriculture bulletin reported by The Manila Times on October 23, 2026. Central Visayas, Negros Island and Davao are among the 14 affected regions, and PAGASA says the strong El Niño may continue into the first half of 2027.
El Niño Farm Losses: The Latest Figures
The Manila Times cited the Department of Agriculture's disaster risk reduction operations center. The bulletin counts about 288,058 farmers and 291,154 hectares of farmland affected, with production losses of 220,307 metric tons.
| Crop or sector | Loss reported |
|---|---|
| Rice | 71,408 MT, valued at P2.95 billion |
| Corn | 132,290 MT, valued at P5 billion |
| Cassava | 159 MT, valued at P5 million |
| Livestock and poultry | 6,690 animals affected, valued at P37.75 million |
The report says rice losses are 0.73 percent of the 9.7 million MT second-semester 2026 target, and corn losses are 1.50 percent of the 8.8 million MT 2026 target.
Which Regions Are Affected?
The 14 regions listed are the Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga. The report does not break down figures for Cebu or Davao individually, so readers should look for local agriculture office updates.
For context, the Daily Tribune reported on September 26 that El Niño damage then stood at P6.87 billion, so the total has risen in about four weeks.
Government Response
According to the report, the Department of Agriculture has released P11.34 billion in assistance. This includes P10.81 billion in production support such as seeds, fertilizers and soil conditioners, and P569.95 million in crop insurance for 68,980 farmers. It also distributed 95,841 livestock and poultry heads to farmer groups.
Other measures include cloud seeding in Region 2 (including Magat Dam) and Region 6, 338 water pumps installed in several regions, and Kadiwa operations to keep food accessible.
What PAGASA Says Next
A DOST-PAGASA El Niño advisory issued October 7, 2026 says a strong to very strong El Niño is present in the tropical Pacific. It is forecast to continue into the first half of 2027 and may peak before the end of 2026.
What It Means for Cebu and Davao Readers
Expect warmer, drier conditions to continue. In Davao, the power utility has urged customers to conserve electricity as demand rises; see our report on the Davao Light rate. Food prices and supply can be affected by crop losses, though the report does not forecast prices. If you are planning a trip, check our guide to the best time to visit Cebu and Davao and the latest weather page.
Sources
- The Manila Times: Agri damage, losses due to El Niño hit P8B
- Daily Tribune: El Niño deals P6.87-B blow to agriculture sector
- PAGASA: Official weather and El Niño advisories
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are El Niño farm losses so far?
The Department of Agriculture bulletin reported by The Manila Times counts P8.57 billion in damage and losses, affecting about 288,058 farmers.
Are Cebu and Davao affected?
Central Visayas, Negros Island and Davao are among the 14 regions listed. The report gives no separate figures for Cebu or Davao.
How long will El Niño last?
PAGASA's October 7 advisory forecasts it to continue into the first half of 2027, possibly peaking before the end of 2026.
Is there government help for farmers?
The report says P11.34 billion in assistance has been released, including seeds, fertilizers, crop insurance and livestock distribution.
