Provincial authorities are bracing for a possible rice shortage as forecasters warn of an El Niño event that could bring drought to Bohol beginning this month, even as officials and traders moved to reassure residents that supplies remain adequate for now.
Asst. Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas told the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council that current rice stocks could last 169 to 200 days if used prudently, and urged immediate steps to stretch the supply.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has put the chance of El Niño developing between June and August at 92%, with effects potentially lingering into early 2027.
Sea surface temperatures are expected to rise by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a shift experts say can trigger drought in some areas and heavy rains in others.
Below-normal rainfall is expected in Bohol by November 2026.
The provincial government approved cloud seeding operations to boost water supplies for farmland, funded through Bohol’s disaster funds, said Anthony Damalerio of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The office is coordinating with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, which recommended the cloud seeding program.
Damalerio said major dams in Bohol remain above critical levels, though the Capayas Dam is below capacity due to ongoing rehabilitation.
The National Irrigation Administration said water supply for the current cropping season is sufficient but may not last.
Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog said existing rice stocks should hold until new harvests arrive, noting some areas have already harvested or are nearing harvest.
Authorities are also encouraging backyard farming and gardening to reduce reliance on the food market.
Marlito Uy, general manager of Alturas Group of Companies, said imported rice supplies are sufficient and consumers should not panic, though he could not say how long the supply would last.
The National Food Authority’s Joel Lim said the agency has about 10,000 sacks of palay in inventory, with 20,000 more sacks expected for the government’s 20-peso-per-kilo rice program.
He said the agency’s buffer stock stands at around 300,000 sacks and that NFA rice supplies remain adequate for emergencies, though the agency has no authority over commercial rice stocks, which are managed by farmers and traders.
On June 3, 2026, the Bohol El Niño Task Force held its second Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting at Panda Tea Garden, where authorities outlined a five-year strategic plan through 2030 to protect agriculture, water supply and public health.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte praised the coordinated preparations to safeguard food security amid the drought threat.
Farmers in Loboc, Pilar, Batuan and Carmen have begun planting rice, according to Pamugas, with the Malinao and Bayongan Dams releasing water to irrigate fields in Pilar, San Miguel, Dagohoy and Ubay.
Other farmers are relying on rainfall for irrigation. Those who planted in May could harvest by August.
Pamugas said some areas in Bohol’s second district have yet to begin planting due to lack of rain, unlike parts of the third district that have seen ample rainfall.
He urged farmers to prepare their fields ahead of expected rains.
Meanwhile, more than 300 barangay officials from Dauis, Tubigon and Tagbilaran City gathered at the Capitol on June 2 for a training program on modern agricultural practices, including climate-smart agriculture, livestock development and the Bantay Rabies sa Barangay program, as well as support for coconut farmers.
The training also involved Barangay Livestock Aides.
Caberte reminded participants of their role in relaying information to farmers and fisherfolk, while Vice Gov. Nicanor Besas stressed the importance of empowering local leaders, saying development begins at the barangay level.