BERNOS CALLS FOR EL NIÑO READINESS

The country should prepare for the possible onset of El Niño as early as now, as the failure to implement countermeasures could sink the country deeper into crisis, a lawmaker said on April 28, 2026.

According to Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos, “ngayon pa lang, kailangang tutukan na natin ang strategy natin sa pagtugon sa El Niño para maiwasan ang lalong pagkakabaon ng bansa.”

“El Niño will negatively impact food security and public health, and it is up to us in government to exhaust all efforts to minimize its effects on our people.”

State weather bureau Pagasa announced Wednesday that there is a 79% probability of El Niño developing during the June-July-August 2026 season, with forecasts suggesting the climate phenomenon could persist until early 2027.

Bernos emphasized the need for adequate financial support to boost productivity and re-energize the country’s agriculture sector.

“The key to surviving El Niño is also the key to improving our nation’s agriculture. Hindi naman sikreto ito—kailangan natin pondohan ang farm inputs at post-harvest facilities to make agriculture more viable for our producers,” the solon said.

He added that the country’s crop insurance system should also be improved to ensure that small farmers are able to immediately claim their benefits during climate-related calamities.

Bernos’ pending House Bill No. 6519 or the Weather Ready Farmers bill seeks establish a free weather index-based crop insurance (FIBCI) with an automatic payout system to help farmers cope with the effects of climate change.

The lawmaker also vowed to advocate for a greater budget for the agriculture next year to help the sector weather the effects of El Niño.