Rice production in the Philippines is at risk of falling by 30% this season as a strengthening 'super' El Niño event dries up critical water reservoirs.
The potential shortfall amounts to approximately 700,000 tonnes, a scale of disruption that echoes the severe agricultural crisis of 1997-98.
Farmers in central Luzon, who planted their crops in June, are facing deteriorating conditions as the climate phenomenon gathers strength across the Pacific.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that El Niño has developed and is set to intensify rapidly into a strong climate event between July and September.
This rapid ocean warming is driving the drought conditions that are now threatening staple food supplies in Southeast Asia.
The situation mirrors broader regional vulnerabilities, with an Indian government assessment recently identifying 142 agricultural districts as highly susceptible to yield losses from similar weather patterns.