The Marcos administration is stepping up preparations for a possible “Super El Niño,” with the government lining up measures to prevent water shortages, protect farmers and prepare for possible power and health problems.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed concerned agencies to prepare for the expected effects of the prolonged dry spell.
Among the agencies taking the lead is the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which is preparing additional water sources and irrigation support for drought-hit farming areas.
Castro said the NIA will use groundwater maps from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to identify areas where solar-powered pumps can be installed.
The agency will also intensify the maintenance of existing solar-powered irrigation systems, repair old pumps and deploy mobile solar pumps in areas expected to experience water stress.
Irrigation canals will likewise undergo desilting and clearing to improve water flow and maximize available water.
The Department of Agriculture is preparing drought-resistant crops and possible adjustments in planting schedules, while financial assistance is being readied for farmers and fisherfolk affected by the dry spell.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, meanwhile, is preparing measures for water conservation, forest and grass fire prevention, rainwater harvesting and small water impounding structures.
Castro said the Department of Energy is also preparing for possible power supply disruptions, while health authorities are strengthening measures against heat-related illnesses, particularly among children, senior citizens and outdoor workers.
PAGASA has warned that El Niño could intensify into a “very strong” event between September and December and continue through the first half of 2027.IMT
