GOVERNMENT BRACES FOR ‘VERY STRONG’ EL NIÑO, URGES PUBLIC TO PREPARE

THE government is readying measures to address the impact of what the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) described as “moderate to very strong” El Niño for the rest of the year that could have tremendous impact on agriculture and pose health risks to people.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking P10 billion to fund scientific measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño on farms on top of the P6.2 billion that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) already released for fuel and fertilizer subsidies to affected farmers and fisherfolk. Another P3.5 billion is being earmarked for building solar irrigation facilities.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the DA’s interventions are targeted at specific areas will use scientific methods.

PAGASA has warned that a very strong El Niño cause droughts, water shortages, power supply interruptions, and extreme heat that could pose health risks to people especially children and the elderly.

On a video posted on state media, PAGASA weather specialist Chris Perez, said it is important that the public is fully made aware of the effects of El Niño and what they can do to protect themselves and mitigate its impact.

“Kapag may El Niño ay karaniwang nagiging madalang ang ating weather systems na nagdudulot ng pag-ulan at kadalasan ay nakakaranas ng kakulangan sa suplay ng tubig, mapa-irrigation, power generation, just to name a few,” Perez said.

He said the water and energy sectors should have plans in place to address anticipated water and power supply and demand problems. He cited the need for proper management of the water supply.

“Siyempre kapag nandiyan na ang El Niño, dapat ‘yung pagtitipid natin sa tubig, i-maximize po natin ang paggamit ng tubig dahil alam natin na magiging madalang ang mga pag-ulan sa ating bansa sa panahon ng El Niño,” Perez noted.

PAGASA has consistently warned that El Niño will affect the country from the middle of this year up to the first half of 2027.

Perez said PAGASA will continue monitoring El Niño and other weather system and how they will affect specific areas of the country so that appropriate measures can be taken.

“Dapat continuous ang monitoring natin para maabisuhan natin ang mga kababayan natin at iba’t ibang sektor at makapaghanda at makapagplano,” Perez added.

In 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reactivated and reconstituted the Task Force El Niño to enable government to effectively address severe dry spells and droughts and ensure food security, water safety and public health.