The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) on Tuesday prepared measures to protect farmers from the looming El Niño season before the year ends.

In a briefing, DA-10 Executive Director Jose Apollo Pacamalan said the region has identified 92,000 hectares of vulnerable land for corn when the dry season forecast hits in November or December.

“Same with rice farmland, even though rice is irrigated, at least there are 88,000 hectares that may not be affected,” he said.

Pacamalan said with the projection provided by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), they can estimate the quantity of food and rice supply for the region for 204 days.

PAGASA said El Niño may begin in the last quarter of 2026 until the first quarter of 2027.

Meanwhile, PAGASA and DA-10 have agreed to establish a Synoptic Agrometeorological Station inside the 1,500-square-meter property of the Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

This is the second station in Mindanao. The first was constructed in Kabacan, Cotabato Province.

Regional Weather Bureau chief Ann Fortich said the station will give more accurate readings and faster relay of weather and climate information for the region, which helps the DA and local government units plan policy measures. (PNA)