Over five million metric tons of imported rice will have arrived in the country before the end of the year, Assistant Agriculture Secretary Arnel De Mesa said on Wednesday.

"Our estimate is around 5.5 million - 5.8 million metric tons (of imported rice) are expected to enter the country this December," De Mesa said in an interview in Manila

The agriculture department spokesperson explained that the importation is part of the government's preparation for the anticipated effect of El Nino next year.

"It's not just the Philippines that will be affected by El Niño, which is why it's important that right now we keep our options open in case our needs arise next year," he said.

"The impact of El Niño is not for this year—that's next year, specifically next semester. If Southeast Asia's dry cropping season is ruined, it will be affected, and rice prices in the international market might spike," he added.

Despite the anticipated impact of El Nino, De Mesa assures that the country has enough supply which is a combination of local and imported produce.

"Right now, things are still good; we have enough volume to tide us over until El Niño ends," he said.

"Even though we hope there won't be any problems in the first semester of next year, we have enough supply to carry us through El Niño," he added.

De Mesa said based on their projection the damage and losses due to El Nino may reach one million metric ton defending on the severity, the length of El Nino and the availability of water.

"Our losses can still increase and not only rice will be affected, it can affect vegetables, corn, livestock and fisheries," he said. Robina Asido/PHS