At least 17,189 families, or 70,772 individuals, across 23 barangays in the Mimaropa and Bicol regions have been affected by prolonged hot and dry conditions brought by El Niño, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday.
The dry spell has disrupted agriculture, strained water resources and affected local livelihoods in the two regions.
The DSWD said it is closely coordinating with affected local government units to assess conditions and provide immediate assistance to affected communities..
As part of its response, the agency has distributed family food packs and ready-to-eat food boxes to residents in affected areas.
The DSWD said more than P9.18 million worth of assistance has been extended to the two regions, including P8.5 million in aid provided by the department.
Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that El Niño conditions had developed in the tropical Pacific and could persist until early 2027.
In its July 6 advisory, PAGASA said a weak El Niño remained in effect and could intensify into a “very strong” event during the final quarter of the year. The effects of the weather phenomenon prompted local government units to take action.
In June, the local government of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro declared a state of calamity due to water shortages caused by El Niño. Around 13 barangays in the municipality reported agricultural losses as the prolonged dry conditions reduced harvests and cut farmers’ income.
In July, the municipality of Pio Duran in Albay also reported that the prolonged hot and dry conditions linked to El Niño had adversely affected agriculture, water resources and local livelihoods.