Govt’s intensifies preparations vs severe El Niño

National

THE government is stepping up efforts to protect food production, water resources, and energy supply as forecasts indicate a strong El Niño could affect the country through 2027.

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‎President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said agencies are already implementing measures to reduce the impact of prolonged dry conditions, which could significantly affect agriculture and other sectors.

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‎Speaking at the inauguration of the P833.37-million Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bohol, Marcos emphasized the need to strengthen the country's resilience against drought and climate-related disruptions, a report by Inquirer.net said.

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‎To help farmers adapt, the government is promoting drought-tolerant crops such as watermelon, ginger, peanuts, purple yam, and eggplant, while encouraging climate-smart technologies like solar-powered irrigation and water-recycling systems.

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‎A key part of the strategy is expanding irrigation infrastructure. The newly completed Bohol project will provide year-round water supply to 530 hectares of farmland, benefiting more than 700 farmers in Mabini and Alicia.

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‎The project includes a 32.2-meter-high dam and more than 11 kilometers of canals designed to improve water distribution and boost agricultural productivity.

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‎The preparations come as Pagasa reported developing El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific, with forecasts showing a moderate to strong event could emerge in late 2026 and persist into early 2027.

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‎El Niño typically brings below-normal rainfall and drought, threatening crop production and water availability. The Department of Agriculture warned that a severe episode could cut rice output by up to 700,000 metric tons.

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‎Drawing lessons from the 2023–2024 El Niño, which caused billions in agricultural losses, the government has ordered a comprehensive action plan focused on food security, water conservation, energy stability, public health, and disaster preparedness.

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‎Officials said these proactive measures aim to lessen the impact of the anticipated El Niño and ensure the country remains prepared for prolonged drought conditions.(Zoe Casas, PIT Comm Intern)