The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) warns that El Niño will cause dry conditions or drought across all Philippine provinces by the end of March 2027, urging public water conservation to mitigate potential crisis.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. announced on October 5, 2026, that all provinces in the Philippines are projected to experience dry conditions or drought by the end of March 2027, driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon. According to Solidum, currently seven provinces are already under drought, and the number is expected to increase as El Niño intensifies.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) defines dry condition as two consecutive months with 21% to 60% below average rainfall, and drought as either three consecutive months with more than 60% below average rainfall or five consecutive months with 21% to 60% below average rainfall. Solidum emphasized that water availability will significantly decline, but stressed that whether this leads to a water crisis depends largely on effective water management and public conservation efforts.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna also appealed for simple water-saving measures such as not letting water run while bathing or brushing teeth and storing water safely. Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro discouraged panic buying of water supplies, highlighting the government’s preparedness against the climate impact and urging proper, calm preparation instead.
PAGASA similarly advised against hoarding bottled water to prevent supply issues. The government continues to monitor the situation closely amid concerns that climate change may exacerbate El Niño’s effects.
This forecast underscores the need for nationwide cooperation in water conservation and strategic resource management to mitigate the social and economic impact of the anticipated drought across the Philippines.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1004813/all-provinces-could-experience-dry-condition-drought-by-end-of-march-2027-dost/story/