The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will begin distributing free portable water filtration kits next week to help communities access safe drinking water amid the looming super El Niño.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the kits can filter contaminated water from deep wells, springs, and rainwater, with initial distribution planned in Tondo, Manila.
Meanwhile, the government is implementing water conservation and drought-prevention measures, while the Bureau of Customs is considering faster processing of legally imported agricultural products to prevent food shortages.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported over ₱6.539 billion in agricultural losses, affecting 215,386 farmers and fisherfolk.
Chinabank Research warned that severe El Niño conditions could push inflation above 8 percent due to reduced crop production and constraints on water and electricity supplies.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 15, 2026
