MANILA — Government agencies are coordinating and mobilizing resources to prepare for the anticipated effects of a stronger El Niño, including possible water shortages, drought and impacts on agriculture, Malacañang said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said concerned agencies are working with the Climate Change Commission, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Nakikipag-coordinate na po ang lahat ng concerned government agencies sa Climate Change Commission katulad ng DA, NIA, pati po ang DENR at ang DSWD. Lahat po ito ngayon ay pinakikilos na po,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
She said funds are being allocated to ensure the government is adequately prepared for the expected dry conditions. The government’s preparations cover areas such as agriculture and food security, irrigation, water supply and social protection.
Among the measures being pursued by NIA are the use of groundwater maps to identify potential water sources, maintenance and rehabilitation of solar-powered pump irrigation systems, deployment of mobile solar pumps in drought-prone areas, and clearing of irrigation canals.
The DENR is also preparing measures to secure water supplies and prevent forest and grassland fires, while the DA is assessing irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops and possible adjustments to planting schedules.
PAGASA has warned that the ongoing El Niño could intensify into a “very strong” event and persist through the first half of 2027, increasing the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in parts of the country.
