The National Food Authority (NFA) is now working closely with its regional field offices as part of the response of the Department of Agriculture (DA) against the looming effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to persist until the first quarter of next year. 

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel de Mesa highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach against the El Niño phenomenon. 

“Ang paghahanda ng Department of Agriculture when it comes to El Niño and, all the necessary interventions ay, again, na-coordinate natin with our regional field offices so as to ensure na responsive tayo dito sa magiging epekto ng El Niño,” De Mesa said. 

“We need to coordinate very closely with the National Irrigation Administration para doon sa timing ng planting of rice,” he added.  

De Mesa said the whole-of-government approach is the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who is also the concurrent DA Secretary, on El Niño preparations.  

The agriculture official noted that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has already declared that the drought season will last until the early part of 2024. (PND)