(Photo courtesy by InopacanMAO)
MANILA — The government is intensifying preparations for the expected “very strong” El Niño, with agencies rolling out measures to protect water supplies, agriculture, energy and public health from prolonged dry conditions.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the National Irrigation Administration has prepared a mitigation plan aimed at sustaining irrigation for farmlands as drought risks increase.
Among the measures are the use of groundwater maps from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to identify possible water sources for solar-powered pump irrigation systems, as well as the repair and maintenance of existing pump facilities.
NIA will also deploy mobile solar pumps to drought-prone and water-stressed farming areas and conduct desilting and clearing of irrigation canals to improve water flow.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, meanwhile, is preparing water-security measures and steps to prevent forest and grassland fires. These include small water impounding facilities and rainwater harvesting systems.
The Department of Agriculture is assessing irrigation systems, studying drought-resistant crops, adjusting planting schedules and preparing assistance for farmers and fisherfolk.
The Department of Energy is also preparing for possible power disruptions, while health authorities are putting in place hydration, cooling and monitoring measures for vulnerable groups during periods of extreme heat.
PAGASA has warned that the ongoing El Niño could intensify into a “very strong” event from September to December 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027.
The weather bureau said El Niño typically raises the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, increasing the risk of dry spells and drought that could affect water resources, agriculture, energy and public health.
