The Negros Oriental Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is gearing up for a possible El Niño occurrence this year, even as crops continue to thrive amid the prevailing hot dry season.

PAO-Negros Oriental chief, Emmanuel Caduyac said yesterday that so far, his office has not yet received reports of damaged crops due to the searing heat.

“Even with the absence of rain in recent weeks, rice, corn, vegetables, and other crops are still flourishing,” he said in an interview.

He also noted irrigation water remains sufficient, consistent with reports of farmers in the countryside.

Likewise, the National Irrigation Administration in Dumaguete City also has an abundant supply of water feeding the farmland, he added.

Caduyac hopes that favorable weather conditions will continue in the months ahead, even with the threat of a dry spell.

PAO is still awaiting guidance from the Department of Agriculture, although they are now preparing counter-measures against the unusual weather pattern.

Heightened awareness among farmers is key to preventing significant losses in terms of production, he said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the current warm weather pattern will likely transition to El Niño by the third quarter of the year. (PNA)