THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday said it has mobilized its regional and field offices to prepare for a potentially severe El Niño through the first half of 2027.
State weather bureau Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) has warned that the El Niño weather pattern — which naturally occur every two to seven years — could become very strong by the year-end, bringing prolonged dry spells, water shortages and extreme heat to parts of the country.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna ordered DENR units to implement climate adaptation and disaster-risk reduction measures.
“The critical window for action is upon us,” Cuna said.
The DENR has built small water impounding facilities and rainwater harvesting systems to augment supplies during periods of low rainfall.
Its offices are also working with local governments and other stakeholders on water conservation, watershed monitoring, forest-fire prevention, ecosystem protection and safeguards against extreme heat.
In Central Luzon, the DENR’s Pampanga office is conducting information campaigns in barangay and community colleges in Guagua and Lubao. Residents are being encouraged to use buckets instead of hoses, reuse household wastewater, repair leaks and collect rainwater.
The DENR’s Central Luzon office is also monitoring coastal areas, including Aurora, for possible coral bleaching caused by high sea temperatures.
In Caraga, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has advised mining companies and processing plants to manage water consumption, repair leaks and install rainwater collection systems. Companies were also told to establish cooling stations and early warning systems for extreme heat.
The bureau issued advisories to the governors of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands, urging them to strengthen local disaster councils and monitor critical watersheds.
In the Davao Region, the Environmental Management Bureau has restricted outdoor work involving high heat exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It has also provided protective equipment and drinking water for field personnel.
Cuna said coordination with local governments, close monitoring of water systems and strict conservation measures would help protect communities and natural resources.
The preparations support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for agencies to act early to cushion the effects of the expected dry spell.
