SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III on Sunday appealed to the Philippines' allies to help the country mitigate the effects of El Niño or severe drought.

Pimentel challenged the United States, Japan and Western European countries to extend support beyond military cooperation and help the Philippines address the weather phenomenon.

The United Nations sought increased international support for the Philippines in dealing with the "strongest" El Niño episode in history, which has already caused losses estimated at P4.3 billion in agriculture and the livelihoods of many Filipinos.

Damage to agriculture from the intense heat was estimated at P4.39 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said. The dry spell affected about 85,250 farmers and fishermen nationwide.

"It's time to prove US-Japan-Philippines ties go beyond military. It is high time for them to show their sincere concern for our welfare," Pimentel said in a statement.

US President Joe Biden on April 11 hosted Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the White House for the first trilateral summit to reinvigorate bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation.

"To dispel any notion their engagement is solely military-focused, it is crucial for them to showcase to the world, especially the critics, that they are really concerned about Filipinos," Pimentel said.

"Instead of going to our military bases, go to areas afflicted by extreme drought and extend help. This can dispel any perception that you are here to turn the Philippines into a battleground," he said.

Pimentel said the "real battle we face is this El Niño and how we Filipinos will survive this prolonged drought."

Sen. Francis Escudero said the DA should ensure aid to farmers and fisherfolk whose livelihoods had been affected by El Niño. Escudero also called on the government to take proactive measures in anticipation of the La Niña weather phenomenon to safeguard vulnerable communities and mitigate potential risks.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has raised an "increasing probability" of La Niña developing later this year.

He said the impending shift to La Niña, characterized by cooler sea surface temperatures and above-normal rainfall, demands comprehensive programs and early interventions to protect vulnerable sectors and ensure climate resilience.

"By acting now, we can better navigate the challenges posed by changing climate patterns and protect vulnerable communities and sectors, especially our farmers and fisherfolk," Escudero said in a radio interview over the weekend.

Escudero also raised the need for the responsible allocation of calamity funds.

Pimentel said that while the tensions in the West Philippines Sea are serious threats, ensuring the recovery of Filipinos in the aftermath of El Niño is paramount.

"These so-called allies of the Philippines must prove that their engagement with the Philippines goes beyond military matters and that their interests extend to helping our economy and restoring lost livelihoods of our citizens," he said.