Amidst the looming threat of a severe El Niño event in the coming months until early next year, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is seeking ₱284.35 million for its budgetary needs in 2027 to strengthen water demand management, assess potential sources and monitor areas facing water stress outside of Metro Manila.
As an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the NWRB is proposing the allocation to ensure El Niño preparedness that focuses heavily on regulation, monitoring and action plans in regions expected to suffer from prolonged dry conditions.
Aside from this, the agency aims to upgrade water demand management by enhancing public campaigns and management strategies to conserve water usage.
The NWRB is also looking into the Mindanao River Basin and parts of Negros Island, as well as selected cities and municipalities, where groundwater availability needs to be assessed.
