ILOILO, Philippines - Not all farmers are praying for rain to combat El Niño.

Watermelon growers and vendors are benefiting from the early onset of drought in the Philippines.

Josie Macado, 40, a watermelon vendor, said she expects at least 10% increase in profit this year with El Niño. .

With the continuous dry weather, they were able to grow bigger watermelons and attain higher yield.

El Niño is not at all bad, said Macado, who's been selling watermelons for almost 15 years.

According to Macado, without any rain, a watermelon can grow up to 8 to 10 kilos, which they can sell at P10 per kilo.

Meanwhile, a 10-30% increase in tourist arrivals is expected by the tourism department in the region.

Boracay Island, being the most popular destination, is reportedly getting full bookings and accommodation.

This upsurge in tourist arrival is expected to continue until the month of June as weather bureau PAGASA sees the dry spell to last until the end of the second quarter.

Western Visayas region Tourism Director Edwin Trompeta said that aside form foreign arrivals, domestic tourists, especially families going on vacation, will further add to the volume of tourist visits.

Aside from Boracay, the department is also banking on the white pristine beaches of Guimaras island and the inviting coastline of Northern Iloilo.