MANILA—The government is preparing measures to mitigate the expected effects of what the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) described as “moderate to very strong” El Niño, which is expected to affect the country through the rest of the year.

The agricultural sector is among those expected to be significantly affected, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) seeking P10 billion for scientific interventions to lessen the impact of El Niño on farms.

The proposed funding would be on top of the P6.2 billion already released by the Department of Budget and Management for fuel and fertilizer subsidies for affected farmers and fisherfolk.

Another P3.5 billion is being earmarked for the construction of solar-powered irrigation facilities.

DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency’s interventions would focus on specific areas and rely on scientific methods to address the effects of the weather phenomenon.

PAGASA has warned that a very strong El Niño could result in drought, water shortages, power supply interruptions and extreme heat, with children and elderly people among those facing health risks.

PAGASA weather specialist Chris Perez, in a video posted on state media, urged the public to understand the effects of El Niño and take steps to protect themselves and reduce its impact.

“Kapag may El Niño ay karaniwang nagiging madalang ang ating weather systems na nagdudulot ng pag-ulan at kadalasan ay nakakaranas ng kakulangan sa suplay ng tubig, mapa-irrigation, power generation, just to name a few,” Perez said.

He said the water and energy sectors should prepare for possible disruptions in supply and demand, particularly through proper management of available water resources.

“Siyempre kapag nandiyan na ang El Niño, dapat ‘yung pagtitipid natin sa tubig, i-maximize po natin ang paggamit ng tubig dahil alam natin na magiging madalang ang mga pag-ulan sa ating bansa sa panahon ng El Niño,” Perez noted.

PAGASA has repeatedly warned that El Niño could affect the Philippines from the middle of this year through the first half of 2027.

Perez said the weather agency would continue monitoring El Niño and other weather systems to determine their effects on specific areas and guide preparations.

“Dapat continuous ang monitoring natin para maabisuhan natin ang mga kababayan natin at iba’t ibang sektor at makapaghanda at makapagplano,” Perez added.

The government previously reactivated and reconstituted the Task Force El Niño in 2024 under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address severe dry spells and droughts and help ensure food security, water safety and public health.