Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday assured that government agencies are already implementing measures to mitigate the potential impact of a forecast El Ni±o episode, which could bring below-normal rainfall and dry spells in several parts of the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said preparations are underway, particularly in the agriculture and irrigation sectors, as the government anticipates possible water shortages in vulnerable farming areas. Castro emphasized that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is ready with concrete measures to tackle the El Ni±o phenomenon, which the country has experienced before.

Castro highlighted ongoing coordination with key agencies, including the DA, which has directed field offices to monitor high-risk agricultural areas and strengthen localized interventions based on historical El Ni±o data. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has been tasked to identify irrigation systems and farming areas that may be affected by reduced water supply, including major facilities such as Magat Dam and the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems.

Support agencies such as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management are also conducting mapping of rain-fed and irrigated farmlands to guide mitigation efforts. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier said there is a 92 percent chance of a moderate to strong El Ni±o event developing, with some climate models warning of a possible 'super' El Ni±o that could significantly reduce rainfall and strain water resources.