Metro Manila, Philippines – The government is stepping up preparations for El Niño as Malacañang warned that climate change could worsen dry conditions, extreme heat and water shortages in parts of the country, an official said.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Wednesday, Sept.9, that while El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon, authorities are assessing how its effects could become more severe as weather patterns change.
“Alam naman natin na ang El Niño ay isang natural phenomenon, but sa nararamdaman natin na climate change, kailangan din nating pag-aralan kung ano ang maaari pang maging maidulot ng El Niño,” Castro said.
[Translation: We know that El Niño is a natural phenomenon, but with the effects of climate change we are experiencing, we also need to study how much more severe its impacts could become.]
“Dahil sa climate change, baka mas matindi ang maramdaman at magiging epekto ng El Niño,” she added.
[Translation: Because of climate change, we may experience more severe effects from El Niño.]
The Department of Agriculture has activated its El Niño Task Force to monitor conditions and prepare measures aimed at protecting farmers and agricultural production.
Castro said preparations must account for varying conditions.
“Merong malakas na pagbugso ng ulan, meron namang tagtuyot,” Castro said.
[Translation: Some areas experience heavy rainfall, while others experience drought.]
She cited the possibility of rain in Metro Manila while parts of the Visayas and Mindanao encounter dry conditions, requiring different interventions.
“Kailangan po talaga ng paghahanda. Ito po ay mino-monitor, patuloy na monitoring ng El Niño conditions at ang pagprotekta lalo na sa ating mga magsasaka at sa ating mga agricultural products na talagang maaapektuhan ng El Niño,” Castro said.
[Translation: We really need to prepare. El Niño conditions are being continuously monitored, particularly so we can protect our farmers and agricultural products that could be affected.]
The government is also focusing on irrigation and water management, with the National Irrigation Administration preparing farmers for possible changes in water availability.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also directed agencies to account for changing weather patterns in government planning, said Castro.
