Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has lauded the Negros Occidental government for taking early action to mitigate the expected impact of a looming El Niño, saying the province’s proactive coordination and preparedness should serve as a model for other local government units (LGUs) facing increasingly severe climate patterns.
“Kapag may banta ng matinding init, kinakailangan ng konkretong plano, paghahanda, at maagap na aksyon para hindi masyadong mabigatan ang ating mga magsasaka at komunidad,” Escudero said. “Ang pagiging pro-active ni Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at kanyang mga kasamahan sa lokal na pamahalaan ay malaking bagay para sa lalawigan.”
“Dahil nga panay na ang paala-ala ng ating weather bureau sa paparating na tagtuyot dulot ng El Niño, sana ang iba’t ibang LGUs sa ating bansa ay naghahanda na rin,” he added.
The veteran senator said the national government must match these local efforts with timely support, reiterating his call to tap the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) from the Rice Tariffication Law to help provinces bracing for prolonged dry spells. He noted that the P15‑billion fund under “Other Priority Programs” component may be used for interventions that strengthen productivity and cushion farmers from climate‑driven losses.
Escudero said the RCEF allocation can support emergency irrigation, production inputs, and financial assistance—measures that complement Negros Occidental’s ongoing coordination with the Bureau of Soil and Water Management for possible cloud‑seeding operations as farms begin to dry up due to extreme heat.
Provincial officials earlier reported that some farms in Negros Occidental have already started to dry up due to extreme temperatures, prompting the provincial government to explore cloud‑seeding operations and study the use of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management funds for possible financial assistance to affected farmers.
The legislator urged the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration to mobilize the P730.9‑million allocation for small‑scale irrigation projects under the 2026 national budget. He emphasized that expanding water access and preparing irrigation facilities for prolonged dry conditions will be crucial in preventing deeper agricultural damage.
Escudero said the province’s early preparations, including reinforcing crop insurance coverage and exploring additional support mechanisms, highlight the importance of coordinated national and local action as the country faces another El Niño, cycle.