Bohol reinforced its proactive measures in preparing for the possible onset of El Niño in the April 24, 2026 episode of The Capitol Reports, held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol.
The discussion focused on coordinated government efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of prolonged dry conditions, including food security, water resource management, agricultural sustainability, and public health and safety interventions.
The episode underscored the Provincial Government of Bohol’s (PGBh) commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness through early warning systems, science-based planning, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based responses to ensure resilience amid climate-related challenges.
Leading the discussion were Hon. Dionisio Joseph Balite, 3rd District Board Member and Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction; Leonardo Samar, Head of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Bohol; and Larry Pamugas, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
Balite emphasized the importance of collective action and timely intervention, urging all sectors to work together in addressing the potential impacts of El Niño.
“Magtinabangay kita aning posibilidad nga El Niño,” Balite said, highlighting the need for unity and preparedness at all levels of governance and the community.
Samar provided a detailed climate outlook, reporting that based on current monitoring, there is a high probability of El Niño developing within the next two to three months, with projections possibly extending until early 2027.
He explained that the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) has raised its El Niño Alert under the ENSO Alert and Warning System, indicating a 70 percent likelihood of occurrence, which has further increased to nearly 80 percent based on recent data.
He noted that El Niño is expected to bring drier-than-usual conditions, including dry spells and potential droughts in parts of the country, which may affect water supply, agriculture, and overall economic activity. Samar emphasized that PAG-ASA continues to issue timely advisories, forecasts, and monthly outlooks to guide both government agencies and the public in making informed decisions.
He further explained that the province is currently experiencing hot and dry conditions typical of the month of April, characterized by clear skies and increased solar radiation, contributing to rising temperatures. He added that environmental factors, such as reduced tree cover, can further intensify heat conditions, underscoring the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation efforts.
Pamugas assured that the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist remains proactive in preparing the agricultural sector, emphasizing that contingency plans are already in place to mitigate potential production losses.
He reported that the province maintains sufficient rice buffer stocks, with approximately 160 days of supply, while encouraging farmers and households to diversify food sources by incorporating root crops such as cassava, camote, and other locally available alternatives.
Pamugas reiterated the “ABAKADA” guide as a practical approach to food conservation and sustainability, promoting diversification, healthier consumption through brown rice, minimizing food waste, and prioritizing locally produced rice.
He also highlighted the promotion of short-term and drought-resilient crops, such as pechay and other vegetables, as adaptive strategies to ensure a continuous food supply despite reduced rainfall.
In terms of farmer support, Pamugas emphasized the importance of registration under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) to access government assistance, including crop insurance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
He noted that coordination with local government units is essential in facilitating requests for interventions such as cloud seeding operations, which require formal endorsement to expedite implementation.
Pamugas further discussed ongoing collaboration with national government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), to ensure the availability of planting materials, drought-resistant seed varieties, and technical support.
He also cited the role of the Bohol Organic Technology Center in Ubay as a source of planting materials, encouraging farmers to coordinate with their respective Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) to access available resources.
On water resource management, Pamugas stressed that maintaining water supply remains a critical priority, particularly for irrigation systems dependent on dams such as Malinao. He explained that cloud seeding remains a key intervention to replenish water levels, while alternative measures such as desalination may be explored should dry conditions persist.
Balite highlighted the readiness of the provincial government to implement responsive measures, including the possible declaration of a state of calamity when necessary to unlock emergency resources and expedite assistance.
He noted that funds may be realigned to provide food packs and other essential support to affected sectors, particularly vulnerable communities.
Additionally, the board member also emphasized the need for local government units, especially in island barangays, to prepare for water shortages through the procurement of water storage facilities such as large-capacity containers.
Balite further shared ongoing legislative initiatives, including a proposed ordinance supporting the establishment of tree and wellness parks, aimed at mitigating the effects of extreme heat while promoting environmental sustainability and public well-being.
In terms of public health and safety, officials encouraged simple yet effective measures such as conserving water, staying hydrated, minimizing unnecessary water usage, preparing for food security, preventing fire incidents, and conserving energy.
Officials emphasized the importance of early preparation, informed decision-making, and collective action in reducing the potential impacts of El Niño.
The episode concluded with a unified message on sustained government intervention, strengthened coordination, and community preparedness, as anchored in the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap of Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/MFM)
