MALACANANG is urging stronger preparations for El Niño as climate change could magnify the effects of the weather phenomenon, potentially bringing more intense heat, prolonged dry spells and worsening water shortages in parts of the country.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is examining not only the expected effects of El Niño but also how changing climate patterns could make its impacts more severe.
While El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern, Castro said its consequences could become more pronounced amid a warming climate.
The government, she said, is therefore strengthening monitoring and preparedness measures, particularly in sectors that are most vulnerable to disruptions in weather and water availability.
The Department of Agriculture has activated its El Niño Task Force to coordinate the government’s response and monitor conditions that could threaten agricultural production.
Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel has emphasized the need for localized measures, given that weather conditions can differ sharply across the country. Some areas may experience heavy rainfall while others, particularly in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, could face drier conditions.
The government is also working to manage irrigation and water resources in anticipation of possible changes in water supply.
The National Irrigation Administration is coordinating with farmers and providing guidance on planting and harvesting schedules, as well as crop selection, to help minimize losses from drought, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events.
Castro said these measures are intended to ensure that farmers can adjust their agricultural activities based on prevailing and projected weather conditions.
The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also placed greater emphasis on climate resilience because of the potential consequences of changing weather patterns on food production, water security, livelihoods and communities.
According to Castro, the President has stressed the importance of preparing for weather conditions that may be more extreme than those experienced in previous years.
Beyond immediate preparations, the government is pursuing longer-term strategies to strengthen the country’s capacity to cope with climate-related threats and protect future generations.
Castro said the government will continue coordinating with the Climate Change Commission, the Department of Agriculture, the National Irrigation Administration and other agencies to ensure that policies and interventions are based on scientific data.
She emphasized that sustained monitoring, proper water management, agricultural planning and inter-agency coordination will be critical in protecting communities and maintaining food and water security as the country faces increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.
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