Philippines Bolsters Rice Farmer Aid as El Niño Threatens Food Security

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is reinforcing its support for small rice farmers with direct cash assistance and proactive drought mitigation measures as the country prepares for the full impact of the El Niño phenomenon. The initiatives aim to safeguard national food security amid increasing climate variability.

Rice Farmer Financial Assistance Program

Undersecretary Nora Oliveros of the Department of Agriculture announced that excess revenues generated from rice import tariffs will continue to fund the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance (RFFA) program. This program provides direct financial aid to small farmers, particularly during climate-related disruptions. “When tariff collections exceed P10 billion, the excess is returned directly to small farmers as financial assistance,” Oliveros stated during the “Usapang Budget Natin” forum in Bacnotan, La Union, on February 13, 2026 [1].

The first P10 billion in annual tariff collections is automatically allocated to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which supports farm mechanization, certified seeds, credit access, and farmer training. Any revenue exceeding this amount is then channeled into the RFFA program, offering a financial safety net during adverse farming conditions like drought.

The RFFA program is available to rice farmers registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture who cultivate two hectares or less. Previous beneficiaries have received P5,000 each to help cover farm input costs and household expenses during challenging planting seasons.

El Niño Task Force and Mitigation Efforts

The DA has activated its El Niño Task Force to minimize potential crop losses in drought-prone areas, including key rice-producing provinces in northern Luzon and other vulnerable regions nationwide. Immediate actions include pre-positioning and distributing water pumps and engine sets in areas with accessible water sources, stockpiling drought-tolerant and early-maturing rice varieties, and accelerating the deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems in high-risk farming communities.

The department is also collaborating with the Philippine Air Force for cloud seeding operations, contingent on favorable weather conditions, to replenish irrigation dams and water reservoirs crucial for rice production.

“We have a quick response fund ready for mitigation and rehabilitation to ensure farmers can continue planting despite prolonged dry spells,” Oliveros added.

Agricultural Losses Due to El Niño

The El Niño phenomenon has already caused significant agricultural losses across the Philippines. As of February 21, 2026, damages have been reported in Ilocos, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and the Zamboanga peninsula, totaling P357.4 million (€5.7 million) [3], [4]. The drought has impacted 6,523 hectares of farmland, resulting in a production loss of 14,601 tons and affecting approximately 7,700 farmers. The number of provinces experiencing drought is expected to increase as the strong El Niño phenomenon persists.

Coordination with Other Agencies

The Department of Agriculture is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to provide financial support to affected farmers.

Key Takeaways

• The DA is providing direct cash assistance to small rice farmers through the RFFA program, funded by excess rice import tariff revenues.
• The El Niño Task Force is implementing mitigation measures, including water pumps, drought-resistant seeds, and solar-powered irrigation.
• Agricultural losses due to El Niño have reached P357.4 million, impacting thousands of farmers and hectares of farmland.
• Collaboration with other government agencies ensures comprehensive support for affected communities.

Farmers are encouraged to coordinate with municipal agriculturists, local government units, and DA regional offices to ensure registration, eligibility verification, and timely access to available assistance programs.