Malacañang announces readiness measures as the Habagat season coincides with the potential arrival of a Super El Niño, focusing on disaster preparedness, water and food security, health, and energy supply.
The Philippine government is actively preparing for the impacts of the upcoming southwest monsoon season, known locally as Habagat, which is expected to coincide with a Super El Niño phenomenon from June through August. In a press briefing, Malacañang Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that typhoons and heavy rainfall are unpredictable and uncontrollable force majeure events, but the government is taking extensive preparatory measures to mitigate their effects.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is undertaking proactive efforts including drainage cleaning, classroom repairs, tree pruning, and anti-dengue operations. Prior to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent trip to Japan, he convened a meeting addressing the El Niño action plan, prioritizing areas such as food, water, health protection, public safety, and energy supply.
Key ministries including the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Food Authority (NFA), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are reactivating the national El Niño task force. Their strategies involve mapping drought-prone areas, implementing crop interventions via the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), repairing irrigation and water harvesting systems, and promoting water-saving agricultural technologies.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) along with water agencies are committed to cleaning reservoirs, repairing facilities, managing water use effectively, deploying water tanks and water treatment units, and ensuring prioritized household water supply.
Disease surveillance intensifies with medical supplies prepositioned and monitoring of heat-related and waterborne diseases is underway. The energy sector is also reinforcing efforts to maintain adequate power supply, fuel reserves, and backup power for critical infrastructure.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has declared the start of the southwest monsoon, recognizing it as a signal of the coming rainy season. PAGASA estimates a 92% chance that Habagat and the Super El Niño will coincide, urging local governments to prepare for potentially stronger typhoons during this period. These comprehensive preparations aim to minimize the adverse effects of these natural hazards on the population and the economy.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/989771/palace-gov-t-readies-for-habagat-looming-super-el-nino-overlap/story/
