Residents of Region 6 must prepare for the effects of the anticipated very strong El Niño, which is forecast to affect almost the entire Western Visayas.

Engr. Ferdinand Rubin, weather specialist of PAGASA Iloilo, said the region may experience dry spell and drought. 

“Expect talaga natin ang dry condition, dry spell, at drought. Almost entire Region VI, although sa latest forecast natin, ang Capiz is not included. But it is very likely na ma-include rin siya,” he said.

PAGASA said earlier there is a 92% probability of the strong El Niño or Super El Niño coinciding with Habagat from June to August 2026.

It projects that the Super El Niño will likely peak around October, November, and December.

Rubin said that fewer typhoons might develop this year but they may be stronger.

“In terms of lakas, possible na typhoon or super typhoon category at dito siya maaaring tumama sa atin,” he said.

The last time the Philippines experienced a very strong El Niño was between 1982-1983 and between 1997-1998.

When an El Niño hit in 2023, crops at the farm of Mari Pelahiyao in Leganes, Iloilo were all ruined.

“Wala talaga, ang mga palay natuyo talaga,” he said.

The farm is located just near the canal of the National Irrigation Administration in Barangay Guihaman but Pelahiyao said they will not be complacent.

“Naghahanda kami ng poso upang makatulong sa aming mga palay kung sakaling malagay sa alanganin,” he said.