MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said the government is actively preparing for the projected effects of a super El Niño.
This comes after the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab projected that 6,500 Filipinos may die from heat-related illnesses brought by El Niño that is expected to last until February 2027.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has a mitigation action plan targeted to help farmers cope with reduced water supply during the dry season.
Under the plan, the NIA will use groundwater maps from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to identify potential water sources to support solar-powered pump irrigation systems.
“The government is making intensive preparations. This is in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to concerned government agencies to take all necessary measures to prevent water shortages and severe drought across the country. The NIA will also intensify the inventory and maintenance of solar-powered pump irrigation systems, as well as the repair and rehabilitation of older pump irrigation systems, to ensure their continuous operation,” Castro said.
The NIA will also conduct extensive desilting and clearing operations in irrigation canals to maximize water-carrying capacity and ensure a steady supply despite reduced rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is building small water-impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems to boost local reserves while actively coordinating fire-prevention protocols across regional offices to mitigate the risk of forest and grass fires.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is evaluating regional irrigation networks, encouraging the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties, adjusting regional planting calendars, and readying direct financial assistance for affected farmers and fisherfolk.
To manage peak energy demand and potential power disruptions caused by extreme heat, the Department of Energy is preparing grid contingency measures.
The Department of Health (DOH) rolled out hydration and cooling protocols while enhancing monitoring efforts to assist vulnerable groups, particularly children, senior citizens, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who are most susceptible to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Castro assured the public that despite the projected number of casualties, all hands are on deck to ensure that they will mitigate the harm caused by the super El Nino.
“These are just a few of the measures currently being undertaken by the concerned agencies, and we will provide you with updates on what they can report in the coming days,” she said.
