MANILA— Malacañang called on Filipinos to prepare for the possible effects of El Niño without resorting to panic buying or excessive hoarding of water.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government had already taken steps to address the weather phenomenon, including providing assistance to farmers and fisherfolk.

“Handa ang pamahalaan sa phenomenon na ito dahil kung matatandaan ninyo, noong 2024 ay nagkaroon tayo ng Task Force El Niño. Kumbaga, ang El Niño ay hindi na bago sa Pilipinas,” Castro said.

Castro urged the public to take reasonable precautions but said there was no need to stockpile bottled water.

“Ang pag-iipon ng tubig, tama naman, pero hindi sa pamamaraan na kailangan mag-hoard ng mga mineral water na mabibili ninyo. Hindi ’yan tamang paghahanda,” Castro said.

She warned that panic buying and excessive hoarding could affect the availability of supplies and push prices higher.

The remarks came after the National Water Resources Board announced that Metro Manila’s water allocation would be reduced beginning October amid the possible effects of El Niño.

The allocation is set to drop from 52–53 cubic meters per second to 44 cubic meters per second.

Castro said the government would continue monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies as it prepares for the possible impact of El Niño on water supply and other sectors.

“Ang kailangan lang talaga natin ay mag-prepare, at ’yun ang ginagawa ng gobyerno,” Castro said.