Even as the rainy season has begun, there are still areas across the Philippines recording dangerous heat indices — proof that climate change is shaping and changing the way we live.
Earlier this month, weather bureau PAGASA announced that there is an 80 percent probability that current conditions will develop into a full-blown El Niño event that may persist until early 2027. PAGASA has also warned that El Niño could become a “strong” to “very strong” event by the end of the year. This means prolonged dry spells, reduced rainfall, and the possibility of drought in many provinces.
Meteorologists said El Niño is expected to enhance southwest monsoon activity, resulting in above average rainfall in parts of the country — likely triggering floods. The scenario is painting an image of extremes of dry spells and flooding.
While El Niño is not new to us, it cannot be denied that each occurrence of the weather phenomenon grows more severe as climate change accelerates. What makes this one different is the length and intensity predicted, which, if not acted upon properly, could strain our systems.
Agriculture is always among the hardest hit during El Niño. Reduced rainfall means lower yields and higher risks of crop failure, which is expected to lead to price hikes. Rice, our staple food, is particularly vulnerable. In May, the Department of Agriculture warned that a severe El Niño could reduce the national rice output by as much as 700,000 metric tons. The agency has since been proactively implementing programs to support farmers and fisherfolk to minimize the expected impact of the severe weather pattern. At this point, equipping farmers with tools and knowledge on how to cope with dry spells is a must, and at the same time, consumers must prepare for possible price hikes of food items. Food waste should be minimized, and communities are encouraged to buy directly from farmers to support local agriculture.
Water scarcity is another looming threat. With the expected reduced rainfall, dams and reservoirs are under pressure to ensure sufficient supply. Water districts must intensify conservation campaigns, reminding households to fix leaks, reuse water where possible, and avoid wasteful practices. Local government units (LGUs) should activate rain harvesting systems as a contingency measure for possible water shortage. We’ve seen it in the past when households had to line up for water rations, and farmers had difficulty ensuring sufficient irrigation.
Public health systems must also be ready to respond to heat-related illnesses and typhoon-related diseases. Extreme heat can increase the risks of dehydration, heat stroke, and respiratory problems. Meanwhile, typhoons and flooding can increase the risks of leptospirosis, diarrhea, dengue, and skin diseases.
Communities should embrace preventive measures such as ensuring clean surroundings, proper waste disposal, clean water storage, and hygiene campaigns to minimize the risks of diseases.
Through all of these, government support and intervention are crucial. The Department of Agriculture has earlier reactivated the El Niño Task Force to ensure food security. The support of LGUs is equally important as well to ensure that communities are prepared to cope with the expected challenges of El Niño.
Lastly, raising awareness on the possible impacts of El Niño is a must so that everyone can prepare. While greater attention and focus is given to political squabbles, the looming climate crisis deserves equal (if not greater) urgency. The possible impact of a prolonged El Niño should be highlighted in information campaigns so that households can practice prudent use of resources, schools should teach children the value of conservation, and businesses can adopt energy efficiency practices and water-saving technologies.
We must all do our part to prepare for El Niño.
