The government has activated its El Niño task force as it steps up efforts to protect local food production amid the threat of drought, with officials warning of risks to agriculture, fisheries, and water supply.

Authorities said preparations are ongoing nationwide, with the Department of Agriculture assuring that its quick response fund is ready for emergency use as dry conditions intensify in several areas.

In Dagupan City, Mayor Belen Fernandez issued an executive order strengthening the local El Niño task force, which has started coordination meetings among government offices, agencies, and community groups.

The group is tasked to prepare a full contingency and rehabilitation plan focusing on five key areas: water, health, energy, environment, and food security.

Ronald de Guzman, Dagupan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer, said agriculture is expected to take the hardest hit.

“Possible problem, number 1 sa agriculture sector. Threat sa food security. Alam naman natin na kung may El Niño, possible na kakaunti ang ulan, walang ulan na puwedeng magdulot ng tagtuyot,” de Guzman said.

In the aquaculture sector, fish growers are already feeling the effects of rising water temperatures.

Rodolfo Laigue, a fish grower in Barangay Pantal, said fish deaths linked to low oxygen levels in ponds have become a daily concern due to the heat.

“Kahit papaano maibsan yung init ng tubig. Kasi kung marami kang isda, pinapakain, lalong iinit yung tubig. Sa dami ng pinapakain mo, doon nagkakaroon ng gataw, fishkill,” Laigue said.

He said fish kills remain minimal for now, but he has already reduced his stock from 25,000 to 17,000 to manage losses. His bangus harvest is expected in the third week of June.

Authorities also warned farmers to prepare for possible crop damage, pest outbreaks, and water shortages as dry conditions continue.

“Sa mga farmer natin, paghandaan natin ito. Dahil possible na makaapekto ito sa mga pananim natin. Possible na dumami ang mga peste na puwedeng makaapekto sa mga tanim natin, or puwedeng matuyo ang mga halaman natin,” de Guzman said.

The El Niño task force continues to monitor conditions as agencies coordinate response measures to reduce the impact on food supply and livelihoods.