BOHOL is preparing to launch cloud seeding operations as a strong-to-very-strong El Niño raises concerns about agricultural losses and water availability.
The Bohol Provincial Cloud Seeding Operations Technical Working Group (TWG) discussed preparations during its meeting on October 13, 2026, at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
During the meeting, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Bohol Head Leonardo Samar reported that a strong to very strong El Niño is present in the tropical Pacific and is expected to persist through the first half of 2027.
He also noted a high likelihood of very strong El Niño conditions developing before the end of 2026.
OPA Assistant Agriculturist Larry Pamugas, PhD, reported that the estimated partial damage caused by El Niño in Bohol has reached ₱107 million, underscoring the need for timely interventions to mitigate its effects on agriculture and other affected sectors.
Dember Nidoy, Agricultural Engineer II of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), explained that the timing of cloud seeding flights would depend on the availability of seedable clouds and prevailing weather conditions.
Flights may be rescheduled or suspended as necessary, depending on weather conditions.
The TWG discussed weather forecasts, the availability of seedable clouds, flight schedules, the number of flights per day, and members’ flexibility in responding to changing conditions.
The group also reviewed preventive measures to address issues encountered during previous operations and raised concerns requiring coordination among participating agencies.
Internet connectivity emerged as a major concern, as reliable communication is essential for coordinating flight schedules and monitoring weather conditions.
To address this, the TWG is working to secure a stable internet connection, including through an official letter to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
In the meantime, they will use the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (PDRRMO) standby equipment for this purpose.
Representatives from the PDRRMO-TaRSIER 117, including Darwin Bernasor; PEGASUS Airline Director Junne Abejuela; Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Airport Manager Anghelo Ibañez; and Philippine Air Force (PAF) Cloud Seeding Officer Capt. Benhal Garcia, together with his cloud seeding technicians, attended the meeting.
Also present were National Irrigation Administration Region VII (NIA-7) Operation Unit Head, Engr. Ma. Danah Laguarte, and Institutional Development Officer, Engr. Heigene Jamil; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Provincial Fishery Office (BFAR-PFO) Aquaculturist I, Ma. Rocile Angela Jusol; Department of Agriculture Region VII (DA-7), Engineer IV, Noel Cahiles; and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Team Head Rocky Tidon.
The initiative supports Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Governance Roadmap by safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and strengthening disaster preparedness.
This aligns with Bohol’s vision of becoming a smart, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable province within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/ARB)
