DoST warns of nationwide drought

All provinces in the country could experience drought conditions by March 2027 as the effects of the looming Super El Niño intensify, Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. warned Monday.

“The effects of El Niño have already started, emerging from August to October. They are expected to continue from December to February, but the overall effects of the ongoing El Niño are expected to persist until the first half of 2027,” Solidum said during a Palace briefing.

Solidum urged the public to prepare now, warning that prolonged dry conditions could push dams to critically low levels and put pressure on water supplies. He said temperatures during the peak of Super El Niño could reach 38.7 degrees Celsius.

“The effects are already being felt, but they could get worse next year depending on the amount of rain. How we will be affected depends on how much preparation we make and how much water we conserve,” he said.

As of September, drought conditions had been recorded in seven provinces — Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Negros Oriental, Western Samar and Siquijor.

Capiz, Leyte and Misamis Oriental were experiencing dry spells, while dry conditions were recorded in Masbate, Sorsogon, Biliran, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar and Southern Leyte. Twenty-two provinces in Mindanao were also experiencing dry conditions.

Solidum said more provinces were expected to fall under the red category for drought from October through March, with conditions likely worsening by February.

“We need to prepare for El Niño, even if its effects will be greater next year, so that we can maintain the water supply we already have,” he said.

He said water conservation must be a shared responsibility between the government and the public.

“It depends on how we conserve the water available in our dams and underground, and this conservation should be done by the government and individuals,” Solidum said.

P45B sought for agriculture

The government is also seeking additional funds to cushion the agriculture sector from the effects of El Niño.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government has requested a P45-billion supplemental budget under the UPLIFT program to assist farmers, fisherfolk and other agriculture stakeholders affected by El Niño and the Middle East crisis.