Philippines, Drought in Region II and CAR

On 16 April 2026, the Municipality of Mountain Province was declared under state of
calamity due to prolonged dry spell and high index, severe drought and critical water
shortages are being experienced across the nine (9) barangays of the Municipality of
Paracelis, Mountain Province.
On 20 April 2026, the Province of Cagayan declared a state of calamity due to the
impacts of prolonged drought, which have significantly disrupted agricultural
production and threatened the livelihoods of farmers across the province, particularly
those engaged in corn farming. Corn crops, especially during their critical growth
stages, are highly susceptible to sustained dry conditions, raising concerns about
lower yields and reduced income for farmers during the current cropping season.
In addition, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) elevated its ENSO Alert and Warning System to “El Niño
Alert” on 22 April 2026. This development signals an increased likelihood of
drier-than-normal conditions, including prolonged dry spells and potential droughts in
several parts of the country.
In response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through
its Field Offices (FOs), in close coordination with the Local Government Units
(LGUs), continuously monitors the status of affected farmers and facilitates the
possible provision of assistance, including any requests for augmentation, to ensure
that emerging concerns are promptly addressed.