The government is stepping up preparations for a possible El Niño as the Palace warned that climate change could make dry conditions, extreme heat and water shortages more severe.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the government needs to study how changing weather patterns could affect the impact of El Niño.
“El Niño ay isang natural phenomenon, but sa nararamdaman natin na climate change, kailangan din nating pag-aralan kung ano ang maaari pang maging maidulot ng El Niño,” Castro said at a Palace briefing.
“Dahil sa climate change, baka mas matindi ang maramdaman at magiging epekto ng El Niño,” she added.
The Department of Agriculture has activated its El Niño Task Force to prepare farmers and protect agricultural production.
DA Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel said weather conditions are not the same across the country, with some areas experiencing heavy rains while others face dry conditions.
“Iba po kasi ang klima na nararamdaman natin. Merong malakas na pagbugso ng ulan, meron namang tagtuyot,” he said.
The National Irrigation Administration is also preparing farmers for possible changes in water availability and agricultural practices.
Government agencies are coordinating with farmers on planting and harvesting schedules to reduce losses from heavy rains, storms and drought.
“Binibigyan po nila ng mga aral o lessons ang ating mga magsasaka kung ano ba yung mga dapat na itanim kapag malakas ang ulan, kung kailan sila dapat umani para hindi maapektuhan ang kanilang mga ani,” Castro said.
She added that President Marcos Jr. has noted how weather patterns have changed over the years, with rainfall now potentially stronger than in the past.
The Palace said government preparations are being coordinated with the Climate Change Commission, DA, NIA and other agencies, with measures based on scientific assessments of changing climate conditions.IMT
