LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is strengthening preparations for possible water shortages and agricultural losses as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns that a strong to very strong El Niño could persist into early 2027.
The province has allocated around ₱60 million for measures intended to cushion the effects of prolonged dry conditions, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) report published on October 12. The initiatives include water catchment facilities, irrigation rehabilitation, deep-well development, and assistance for farmers.
PAGASA’s October 21 update said the ongoing El Niño was expected to continue through the first quarter of 2027, with associated impacts potentially lasting through the first half of the year. The weather bureau warned that the phenomenon increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in some areas, although localized heavy rainfall may still occur during tropical cyclones and other rain-bearing weather systems.
Water security and farm support
Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos has directed the Provincial Agriculture Office to expedite the rehabilitation of small water-impounding facilities, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on October 20. The provincial government has also coordinated with the National Irrigation Administration on irrigation concerns.
The measures aim to help agricultural communities maintain access to water when rainfall is limited. However, the extent of the facilities’ rehabilitation and the number of farmers expected to benefit have not been specified in the cited reports.
The provincial government is also facilitating the distribution of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers and seedlings. Araneta-Marcos said some supplies were still undergoing procurement before delivery, inspection, and distribution, the PIA reported.
In Laoag City, farmer Edelson Ramos of Barangay 54-A Lagui-Sail said prolonged dry conditions could affect irrigation supplies from rivers and wells. His account, reported by the PIA, highlights the concerns of farming communities that depend on available water to sustain crop production and livelihoods.
Schools adopt water conservation measures
Water conservation efforts are also being introduced in public schools.
The PNA reported on October 15 that the provincial government distributed improvised rainwater catchment drums to 37 selected secondary schools facing water-supply concerns. The initiative is intended to help schools collect and store rainwater for appropriate uses while promoting responsible water consumption among students.
School officials have encouraged students to avoid wasting water, report leaking pipes, and use available supplies efficiently. These measures complement infrastructure initiatives but do not remove the need to monitor school water availability as dry conditions develop.
Preparedness remains important
PAGASA advises farmers to conserve water, maintain irrigation systems, harvest rainwater where appropriate, and consider drought-tolerant crops and soil-moisture conservation practices. Farmers are also encouraged to monitor official weather updates and adjust agricultural activities according to rainfall and water availability.
In Ilocos Norte, the effectiveness of preparations will depend on implementing planned projects, delivering farm assistance on time, and ensuring water availability in communities most exposed to prolonged dry spells.
Residents, farmers, and institutions are encouraged to follow official advisories from PAGASA and relevant provincial and agricultural offices. Updates on the progress of water projects and assistance programs will help assess how well communities are being prepared for the months ahead.
Sources: Philippine Information Agency, October 20, 2026; Philippine News Agency, October 12 and 15, 2026; PAGASA, El Niño monitoring update, October 21, 2026.
