Coconut agency urges moisture-saving measures as El Niño threatens farms

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is urging coconut farmers in Oriental Mindoro to adopt moisture-saving practices as prolonged heat and dry conditions associated with El Niño threaten coconut plantations in the province.

Jonna Marie Portales, PCA Mindoro provinces division chief, said PCA agriculturists have been conducting information campaigns to help farmers understand the potential effects of El Niño and adopt measures to reduce damage to their farms, according to a report from the Philippine Information Agency in Mimaropa. 

READ: El Niño to bring drought to all provinces by March 2027 – DOST

Article continues after this advertisement

Portales identified Puerto Galera, Bulalacao and Mansalay as among the areas that could be particularly vulnerable to the dry conditions.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

One of the practices being promoted is mulching, where coconut husks, locally known as bunot, are arranged around the base of coconut trees to help retain soil moisture and prevent excessive drying. 

Puerto Galera has declared a state of calamity because of water supply shortages, while Bulalacao was the first town in Oriental Mindoro to declare a state of calamity due to El Niño. Mansalay, which lies next to Bulalacao, could also experience significant impacts, according to the PCA.

Aside from moisture conservation, the PCA is implementing programs intended to support coconut farmers and provide additional sources of food and livelihood.

These include the Participatory Coconut Planting Project (PCPP), which provides incentives to farmers who propagate and plant coconut trees, and the Coconut Village Development Project (CVDP), which provides vegetable seeds for additional food and livelihood opportunities.

Article continues after this advertisement

The agency is also distributing fertilizers as part of its nutrient management interventions.

For 2025–2026, the PCPP covers 1,835 hectares involving 1,376 coconut farmers, while the CVDP covers 300 hectares involving 127 farmers, according to the PCA.

Article continues after this advertisement

Portales said the PCA was preparing for the possibility of a more severe or prolonged El Niño by regularly monitoring coconut farms and coordinating with farmers and local government units.

She said the agency was also implementing interventions aimed at reducing the effects of drought on coconut plantations.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

The PCA’s measures come as farmers in parts of Oriental Mindoro face increasing pressure from heat and water shortages, raising concerns over the effects of prolonged dry conditions on agricultural production and farm livelihoods. /jpv