Malacañang on Wednesday assured that the government is ramping up preparations in anticipation of the effects of a “Super El Niño” that will affect the Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to undertake necessary measures to prevent water shortages and severe drought, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said
This was amid the state weather bureau’s warning that the ongoing El Niño is expected to intensify into a “very strong” state in the coming months and persist through the first half of 2027.
The El Niño phenomenon increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and may cause dry spells and droughts in some parts of the country.
Castro said the National Irrigation Administration has laid out a mitigation action plan to help farmers cope with reduced water supply during the dry season.
The NIA will use groundwater maps from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to identify possible water sources to support solar-powered pump irrigation systems.
“Paiigtingin din ng NIA ang inventory at maintenance ng solar-powered pump irrigation systems at ang repair and rehabilitation ng mga lumang pump irrigation systems para masiguro na tuloy-tuloy lang ang operasyon ng mga ito,” Castro said.
The NIA will also deploy mobile solar pumps in drought-prone and water-stressed areas to provide immediate irrigation support, particularly to vulnerable farming communities.
It will also conduct desilting and clearing operations in irrigation canals to improve water flow and increase their capacity amid an expected decline in water supply.
Other government agencies are also carrying out measures to address the potential effects of a stronger El Niño.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is preparing measures to secure water supply, prevent forest and grass fires, conserve energy, protect employees from extreme heat, and strengthen coordination with other government agencies.
The agency also established small water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems to augment water supply.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture is assessing irrigation systems, promoting drought-resistant crops, and considering adjustments to planting schedules.
Castro said financial assistance is also being prepared for affected farmers and fisherfolk, while Malacañang will coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management to determine if additional funding will be needed.
The Department of Energy is preparing for possible disruptions to the power supply, while the Department of Health is strengthening measures against heat-related illnesses, including dehydration.
These include hydration and cooling measures, health monitoring, and assistance for people vulnerable to extreme heat, particularly children, older adults, outdoor workers, and individuals with existing health vulnerabilities.