Malacañang assured the public that the government has intensified preparations to address the potential impacts of a possible strong El Niño, with a focus on food security, water supply, energy stability, and public health.
During a Palace press briefing on Monday, June 1, Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said an El Niño Action Plan was discussed in a recent meeting held before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Japan.
“Noong nakaraang linggo po, bago po pumunta ang Pangulo sa Japan, ay nagkaroon po ng meeting para po dito sa El Niño Action Plan. Ang purpose po nito ay unang-una for water security, food security, energy security, health protection, and public safety,” Castro said.
She detailed the coordinated response of various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which will reactivate the national El Niño team, map drought-prone areas, and support irrigation repair and climate-resilient farming techniques.
“Reactivate the DA National El Niño Team, map drought-prone areas, provide crop measures through PCIC, repair and rehabilitate irrigation and water harvesting systems, promote alternate wetting and drying technology,” she said.
Castro also cited measures from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and other agencies focused on water conservation, reservoir maintenance, and deployment of water treatment units to ensure domestic supply.
For the health sector, she said the Department of Health (DOH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and rural health units will intensify disease surveillance and prepare medical supplies to address heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and waterborne diseases.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE), National Power Corporation (NPC), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and National Electrification Administration (NEA) are expected to ensure stable power and fuel supply, especially for critical infrastructure.
Castro noted that El Niño conditions are expected as early as late June or July, making early preparation essential.
When asked if President Marcos Jr. would create a dedicated task force for El Niño response, Castro said there are currently no plans for a new body.
“Sa ngayon po ay walang nababanggit kung magkaroon ng task force dahil sa pamamagitan po ng pag-meeting na ito ay nakita po natin kung paano i-reactivate po ang mga agencies natin para matugunan po ang impact ng El Niño,” she said.
