Batangas steps up preparations for looming ‘super’ El Niño

LUCENA CITY, Quezon— The provincial government of Batangas is stepping up preparations to mitigate the potential effects of “super” El Niño on agriculture, livestock, public health and other sectors in the coming months.

According to a report released Wednesday by the Batangas Public Information Office (PIO), representatives of the Provincial El Niño Technical Working Group met on Oct. 20 upon the directive of Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto to discuss programs and interventions to address the threat of prolonged drought.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, led by Dr. Rodrigo Bautista Jr., briefed designated focal persons from participating provincial government offices on their respective roles and responsibilities in implementing the planned measures.

READ: El Niño to be ‘very strong,’ last until February, UN warns

“The meeting also included the presentation and deliberation of a proposed executive order aimed at addressing the threat posed by the anticipated Super El Niño,” the PIO said.

Participants also mapped out strategies and interventions that could be implemented across various sectors in accordance with their respective contingency plans.

In a separate meeting, the Provincial Veterinary Office discussed concerns about the potential effects of El Niño on the livestock sector.

The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination among concerned offices and identify appropriate measures to minimize the effects of drought on livestock, agricultural production and the province’s food supply.

Representatives from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government-Batangas, and city and municipal veterinary offices across the province also participated in the discussions.

El Niño refers to warmer-than-normal ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. The weather phenomena, is associated with an increased risk of prolonged dry conditions, reduced water availability and extreme heat in parts of the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration  said a very strong El Niño is likely to emerge between September and December 2026 and may continue until the first half of 2027.