Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday assured the public that the government is ramping up its response efforts as the country braces for the possible effects of a strong El Ni±o phenomenon. Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government is closely monitoring El Ni±o conditions, particularly its potential impact on agriculture, water resources, and other vital sectors.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro acknowledged that while El Ni±o is a natural climate phenomenon, its effects could become more severe due to climate change. "Sa nararamdaman po nating climate change at kailangang pag-aralan din po dahil sa climate change kung ano ba ang maaari pang maging matinding idudulot ng El Ni±o maliban sa ito ay nagiging normal naman talaga, normal na nararamdaman natin," she said. "Pero dahil sa climate change, baka mas matindi ang maramdaman at magiging epekto ng El Ni±o," Castro added.
Castro said the Department of Agriculture has already activated the El Ni±o Task Force to respond to the phenomenon. She noted that weather conditions vary across the country, with some areas experiencing heavy rains while others are facing dry conditions. "Kinakailangan po talaga ng sapat na pagpiprepara, kaya ito po ay minu-monitor, patuloy po na monitoring ng El Ni±o conditions at ang pagprotekta lalung-lalo na sa ating mga magsasaka at, kumbaga, sa ating mga agricultural products na talagang maaapektuhan ng El Ni±o," she said.
Castro said the government is also working to manage irrigation and water resources, with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) preparing to help farmers cope with changing weather conditions. She said farmers are being provided with guidance on crop selection and timing of planting and harvesting to minimize the impact of extreme weather on agricultural production. "Inaalam po nila [NIA] at binigyan po nila ng aral or lessons, techniques ang ating mga magsasaka kung ano ba 'yung mga dapat na itanim kapag malakas ang ulan o kailan dapat sila umani para hindi naaapektuhan ang kanilang mga ani ng bagyo. So, dapat may mga produkto rin po na dapat na maitanim kahit na tag-ulan," Castro said.
Asked whether existing measures are sufficient amid projections that the El Ni±o phenomenon could become very strong, Castro said the government continues to pursue measures to address climate change, which could worsen the effects of extreme weather events.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a significant update on El Ni±o, forecasting a very strong event that is expected to persist through February 2027. The phenomenon is expected to lead to an increased risk of extreme weather, including floods, droughts, and extreme heat, affecting various sectors such as agriculture, health, and water resources. WMO emphasized the need for exceptional preparation and response from governments and decision-makers, highlighting the urgency of mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact of El Ni±o.
