House Speaker Faustino Dy III has called on the government to prioritize the protection of food-producing provinces to ensure national food security.During a briefing on El Niño preparedness, Dy highlighted the critical role of provinces like Isabela, which supplies 45% of the National Capital Region's rice needs.

He emphasized the need for long-term investments in irrigation systems, water-efficient technologies, and climate-resilient agriculture to safeguard these regions from climate disruptions.

Dy cited Isabela's proactive measures, including coordinated efforts between provincial and national agencies to monitor water levels in the Magat Dam and plan for prolonged dry conditions.

These initiatives, combined with support for farmers and infrastructure projects, demonstrate the importance of shifting from reactive disaster response to proactive planning.

The speaker stressed that protecting agricultural provinces, which serve as the country's food baskets, requires sustained investment in water management and sustainable practices to mitigate future climate risks.