Gov’t braces for strong El Niño

The government is preparing to tap groundwater, deploy mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps and rehabilitate aging water systems as the Philippines braces for an intensifying El Niño that could threaten farms, water supply and electricity generation.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed concerned agencies to take measures to prevent severe drought and water shortages.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has drawn up a mitigation plan that includes using groundwater maps from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to identify possible water sources for solar-powered pump irrigation systems.

NIA will also inventory and maintain existing solar-powered pumps, repair older pumping facilities and deploy mobile units to drought-prone and water-stressed areas, particularly vulnerable farming communities.

Desilting and clearing of irrigation canals will also be intensified to improve water flow and boost capacity as water supplies tighten, Castro said.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on 23 September that a strong El Niño is already active in the tropical Pacific and is expected to intensify into a very strong El Niño during the September-to-December period. The weather agency expects the phenomenon to persist through the first half of 2027.

El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, which can lead to dry spells and droughts. However, PAGASA noted that some western parts of the country could still experience above-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season.

Farms, power supply at risk

Castro said the government is also preparing small water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems while adjusting planting schedules and arranging financial assistance for affected farmers and fisherfolk.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking an additional P10 billion for El Niño mitigation, on top of P6.2 billion already released for fuel and fertilizer assistance. Another P3.5 billion is being earmarked for solar-powered irrigation facilities, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

The DA has said measures could include shifting some farms to less water-intensive crops, adjusting planting calendars and accelerating solar-powered irrigation projects.

Energy agencies are likewise preparing for possible power interruptions as reduced rainfall can affect hydropower generation and place greater strain on electricity supply.

“We are also preparing through the DoE because there could be power interruptions,” Castro said.

Health agencies are being instructed to prepare for heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, with the Palace stressing the need for hydration and cooling measures.

Metro Manila is already facing tighter water management. The National Water Resources Board said Wednesday that the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s allocation will be reduced to 44 cubic meters per second beginning in October, down from its regular allocation of 50 to 53 cubic meters per second, as authorities conserve supply ahead of the stronger El Niño.

Castro said the Department of Budget and Management was still being consulted on how much additional funding could be made available for the government’s El Niño response.