MANILA – Nearly 400,000 people have been affected by El Niño as damage to agriculture climbed to more than ₱5.4 billion, according to the latest figures from the Office of Civil Defense.

The OCD reported 388,375 affected individuals across 893 barangays in four regions, as prolonged dry conditions continue to hit communities and livelihoods.

Caraga recorded the largest affected population, with 291,381 people in 140 barangays. Bicol followed with 49,216 individuals in 39 barangays, while Cagayan Valley recorded 47,587 affected people across 714 barangays. Calabarzon reported 191 affected individuals.

The agriculture sector has absorbed much of the impact.

OCD figures showed 199,857 farmers and fisherfolk affected, with production losses reaching 112,862.46 metric tons. The estimated value of agricultural damage stood at ₱5.469 billion.

Cagayan Valley accounted for the bulk of the reported losses, with ₱4.968 billion in agricultural damage and about 93,343 metric tons in production losses. More than 194,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the region were affected.

Damage was also reported in Davao Region, Bicol, Calabarzon, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

The continuing dry conditions have prompted 106 cities and municipalities to declare a state of calamity.

Of the total, 66 are in Cagayan Valley, 23 in Caraga, 12 in Bicol, four in Calabarzon and one in Soccsksargen. Caraga has also recorded 39 wild, forest or mountain fire incidents amid the dry conditions.

The national government has so far provided more than ₱39 million in assistance to affected communities in Cagayan Valley, Bicol and Caraga.

The figures come as the country prepares for a potentially more severe phase of El Niño.

PAGASA said a strong El Niño is already active in the tropical Pacific and is expected to intensify into a very strong El Niño before the end of 2026.

The state weather bureau warned that the phenomenon could persist through the first half of 2027.

El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and can lead to dry spells and drought in parts of the country, although PAGASA noted that some western areas may still experience above-normal rainfall during periods influenced by the southwest monsoon.

PAGASA has urged climate-sensitive sectors and government agencies to prepare as the phenomenon intensifies.

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