Bong Go urges stronger El Nino measures as agriculture sector warns of possible 700,000-metric-ton drop in rice production

The DA said the projected loss represents around 3.5 percent of the annual production target, raising concerns over food security, rural income, crop supply, and possible pressure on consumer prices.

Go said the warning should push concerned agencies to strengthen preparations and ensure that interventions reach communities that depend directly on agriculture for their livelihood.

"Kailangan nating alagaan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda dahil sila ang nagbibigay ng pagkain sa ating mga hapag. Kapag sila ang naapektuhan, ramdam din ito ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino," Go said.

The DA earlier said it had reconvened the El Nino task force to prepare for a potentially severe episode later this year. The agency also warned that a prolonged dry spell could affect crop production, reduce farmers' earnings, and contribute to higher food prices.

According to the DA, measures being undertaken include cloud seeding to increase rainfall, deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems, adjustments to the planting calendar to align with the northeast monsoon or habagat, and crop diversification programs to help stabilize farmers' income.

Go said these measures must be complemented by accessible support mechanisms for affected agricultural workers, particularly those in rice-producing areas and rural municipalities that face greater exposure to drought, production losses, and rising input costs.

"Dapat maagapan natin ang epekto ng El Nino. Huwag nating hintayin na mahirapan ang ating mga kababayan bago kumilos. Ang importante, may tulong, may suporta, at may malinaw na aksyon para sa mga magsasaka," the senator emphasized.

The senator has consistently pushed for policies aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector and improving national food security. He is a co-author of Republic Act No. 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which strengthens financing mechanisms and support systems to improve farmers' and fisherfolk's access to needed resources.

Go also co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones loans, including interest, penalties, and surcharges, of agrarian reform beneficiaries to help ease their financial burdens.

Beyond enacted laws, Go filed Senate Bill No. 680, or the proposed Post-harvest Facilities in Every Agricultural Municipality Act, which seeks to mandate the construction of warehouses and rice mills in rice-producing areas through the collaboration of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the DA, and farmer cooperatives.

He also filed Senate Bill No. 681, or the proposed Fertilizer Subsidy for Farmers Act, which seeks to provide financial assistance to farmers to help reduce input costs.

Senate Bill No. 673, or the proposed Full Crop Insurance Coverage for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Act, also seeks to grant free insurance coverage to smallholder farmers cultivating five hectares of land or less.

Go said that as the country prepares for the possible impact of El Nino, support for agriculture must remain practical, timely, and focused on those who are most exposed to production losses.

"Kung may matinding tagtuyot, unang naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka. Kaya dapat tulungan natin silang makabangon at maipagpatuloy ang kanilang trabaho para sa kanilang pamilya at para sa pagkain ng buong bansa," he said.

He also underscored the need to protect both producers and consumers, noting that lower rice output can affect not only farmers' income but also the price and availability of food for ordinary households.

The senator said the agriculture sector needs continued financial, infrastructure, and institutional support as climate-related threats place additional pressure on communities already dealing with high production costs and unstable weather conditions.

"Kabuhayan ng magsasaka, presyo ng pagkain, at seguridad sa pagkain ang nakataya rito. Dapat magtulungan ang mga ahensya at lokal na pamahalaan para masigurong may sapat na suporta sa mga komunidad na maaapektuhan," Go said.