El Niño drought damage to Philippine crops hits nearly P10 billion

MANILA — El Niño-related drought conditions have inflicted nearly P10 billion in damage to Philippine farm production, according to the latest assessment from the Department of Agriculture.

The DA reported P9.99 billion in total crop losses in its Wednesday advisory, marking a sharp 16.6 percent increase from the P8.57 billion in damages documented on October 21. The rising toll underscores the escalating impact of the extended dry spell on the country's agricultural sector.

The prolonged drought has disrupted farming operations across multiple regions, affecting staple crop production and livestock operations. The DA's updated figures reflect ongoing damage assessments as El Niño conditions persist across the archipelago.

Agricultural officials have continued monitoring the situation and coordinating with regional authorities to address crop failures and support affected farming communities. The mounting losses highlight the vulnerability of Philippine agriculture to climate-related disruptions and the need for sustained mitigation efforts.