This, as a strong episode of the weather phenomenon is likely to begin in the coming months until the first half of 2027.
Previously, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the ongoing El Niño is expected to intensify into a “very strong” state.
In line with this, there is a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall and may cause dry spells and droughts in some parts of the country.
Thus, the Malacañan Palace said on Thursday, October 1, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead government efforts to respond to the situation and will issue instructions on what needs to be done.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the lead agency for the Task Force El Niño is under discussion.
“Siya (President Marcos) ang nangunguna kapag nagkakaroon ng meeting at siya ang nag-uutos kung ano ang dapat na gawin,” she added.
According to Castro, agencies involved include the PAGASA, Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Water Resources Board, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)—which are now conducting meetings in preparation for the El Niño phenomenon.
Castro said the government is also allocating funds for El Niño response, particularly for well-organized preparations such as climate information, agriculture and food, irrigation, water supply, and social protection.
“Makakaasa kayo na ang gobyerno ay tumatalima sa kanilang tungkulin, pero of course, kailangan din natin ngayon ang tulong din ng ating mga kababayan kung paano kayo makapagtipid ng inyong tubig sa inyong kabahayan, iyan ang malaking tulong,” said the Palace official as she urged the public to do its part.
Although, the Palace urged the public to remain calm and prepare properly for the possible effects of El Niño, assuring Filipinos that the government is ready to respond to the weather phenomenon and its impact on water supply.
Castro said the government has already put measures in place, including assistance for farmers and fisherfolk.
“Handa ang pamahalaan sa phenomenon na ito dahil kung matatandaan ninyo, noong 2024 ay nagkaroon tayo ng Task Force El Niño. Kumbaga, ang El Niño ay hindi na bago sa Pilipinas,” she said, noting that the public should prepare but avoid unnecessary panic.
Moreover, she also discouraged the public from hoarding bottled water, saying there is currently no reported shortage of drinking water.
“Ang pag-iipon ng tubig, tama naman, pero hindi sa pamamaraan na kailangan mag-hoard ng mga mineral water na mabibili ninyo. Hindi ’yan tamang paghahanda,” the Palace official said, and warned that panic buying and excessive hoarding could disrupt supply and drive up prices.
Earlier, the National Water Resources Board announced that it would reduce Metro Manila’s water allocation from 52–53 cubic meters per second to 44 cubic meters per second starting October due to the possible effects of El Niño.
Castro said the government will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with concerned agencies.
Prior to this, on Wednesday, she confirmed that the President has directed concerned government agencies to take necessary measures to prevent water shortages and severe drought.
She said the NIA has laid out a mitigation action plan to help farmers cope with reduced water supply during the dry season.
Under the plan, NIA will use groundwater maps from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to identify possible water sources to support solar-powered pump irrigation systems.
The agency will also deploy mobile solar pumps in drought-prone and water-stressed areas to provide immediate irrigation support, particularly to vulnerable farming communities.
On top of those, there will also be desilting and clearing operations in irrigation canals to improve water flow and increase their capacity amid an expected decline in water supply.
For its part, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 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.
It has also established small water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems to augment water supply.
The DA is also assessing irrigation systems, promoting drought-resistant crops, and considering adjustments to planting schedules, while the Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing for possible disruptions to the power supply.
On possible additional funding for the government’s El Niño response, Castro said the DA already has funds intended to assist farmers and fisherfolk, while Malacañang will coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to determine whether additional funding will be needed.
For their part, health authorities are strengthening measures against heat-related illnesses, including dehydration.
Castro also said the government is coordinating with local government units, health offices, schools, workplaces, and communities to prepare for the expected risks.
“So kailangan po ng hydration and cooling measures, health monitoring and assistance for vulnerable residents, particularly children, adults, outdoor workers, and people with existing health vulnerabilities. Extreme heat is among the anticipated risks,” shared said.
The measures include hydration and cooling interventions, health monitoring and assistance for vulnerable residents.
