Malacañang urged Filipinos not to panic or hoard bottled water as the government prepares for the expected impact of a strong “Super El Niño,” saying there is no reported shortage of drinking water.
The government has allocated P6.2 billion for agricultural assistance and P39.83 billion for disaster response in 2026, while additional funds are proposed for 2027.
The National Water Resources Board has also reduced Metro Manila’s water allocation to 44 cubic meters per second starting in October amid preparations for the dry spell.
Agencies are coordinating measures on water supply, agriculture, irrigation, food security, and social protection, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the preparations.
PAGASA said the strong El Niño is expected to intensify between September and December 2026 and could bring below-normal rainfall, dry spells, drought, and warmer temperatures into early 2027.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 2, 2026
