PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday convened inter-agency officials at the Palace to strengthen drought interventions targeting agricultural farms, critical dams, and public hospitals, Malacañang said.
At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Labor and Employment are overseeing agricultural interventions.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Irrigation Administration, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and Local Water Utilities Administration are also managing water resources and irrigation infrastructure.
Energy and fuel supplies are also being monitored, she said.
Ms. Castro said that government agencies are actively tracking weather developments.
“Our countrymen have nothing to worry about — the government is on top of the situation, we are ready and monitoring this,” Ms. Castro said.
Ms. Castro called for strict adherence to household water conservation preparedness as climate conditions worsen.
“The President is taking seriously what is happening and what could worsen in the coming months,” Ms. Castro said. “Every discussion, message, suggestion, and guidance given to us by the government and the President should be taken seriously.”
To support household water security, DSWD Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian is preparing instructional videos on rainwater harvesting and filtration techniques, Ms. Castro said.
The Presidential Communications Office is likewise coordinating with attached agencies to handle public information dissemination regarding drought mitigation.
Separately, the DENR said it started using technological networks to monitor and respond to the looming effects of the “Super El Niño” nationwide.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DENR said has operationalized an early warning framework through Automated Weather Stations (AWS), Satellite Heat Stress Mapping, and Geographic Information System-based risk modeling.
Local government units, water managers, and field personnel receive field alerts to help them respond preemptively to rising temperatures and other environmental hazards.
Among the technologies being deployed in Central Luzon is the Coral Bleaching Alert System, which issues updates on coral bleaching alerts. Meanwhile, the Ilocos Region utilizes an integrated Red Flag Alert System to detect early warning signs of wildland fires.
Mindanao also uses AWS data to generate high-resolution peatland fire risk maps and deploy targeted patrols to high-vulnerability sectors.
In the Bicol Region, regional offices operate AWS to map dry forest patches, drying creeks, shallow reefs, and emerging water-stress conditions.
Beyond science-backed data and equipment, DENR guides water conservation initiatives to help regional offices address the risk of water shortages and dry spells amid prolonged dry conditions.
The weather bureau said El Niño could become “very strong” and persist through the first half of 2027. Maximum daily temperatures are forecast to reach 38.7°C by March, with heat indices projected to range between 45°C and 52°C.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier reported that about 428,687 individuals or 115,246 families have been affected by the phenomenon across Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), Bicol Region, and Caraga.
106 cities and municipalities are likewise under a state of calamity due to the dry spell.
Meanwhile, a senator on Tuesday asked government lending and financial institutions to waive loan interest charges from Jan. 2027 to March 2027, in aid of small businesses, online sellers, and workers deal.
In a statement, Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV called on the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, Small Business Corp. (SB Corp.),and Home Development Mutual Fund to consider relief measures for borrowers struggling to pay loan obligations amid rising living costs.
The Philippines’ inflation rate in September 2026 rose to 7.2%, which may worsen with low water, energy and food security because of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought.
Mr. Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, said SB Corp. can temporarily suspend loan interests to help small business owners and online sellers navigate higher operating costs due to the weather.
He also urged Senate President Sherwin T. Gatchalian to reconvene the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy Committee to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to prepare for the “Super El Niño.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Almira Louise S. Martinez and Francessca S. Abalos