How can you prepare for El Niño? Climate Change Commission suggests measures

MANILA — The public has been warned to prepare for the upcoming El Niño which is forecasted to be strong. But how, exactly?

The Climate Change Commission suggested some measures on how Filipinos can concretely prepare for the weather phenomenon.

Speaking to state media’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, CCC Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz cited studies that say up to 6,000 from the vulnerable population might end up as fatalities due to health reasons because of the heat.

Measures include adjusting class and work hours, as well as steps in water conversation.

“Kasama po diyan yung shifting ng mga schedule ng mga mag-aaral. Kailangan maiwasan ang oras mula alas diyes hanggang alas tres ng hapon,” he said.

“Kung maaari ay pumasok ang ating mga mag-aaral mula alas-6 hanggang alas-9:30, pagkatapos uuwi na,” Dela Cruz added.

Workers who are directly under the sun like agricultural workers and laborers in construction should also have shifts in schedules.

Senior citizens with preexisting conditions such as respiratory diseases should also avoid going out of the house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We also need to have yung water hydration facilities,” Dela Cruz said.

These may come in the form of misting or cooling stations.

Dela Cruz urged local government units to follow their local adaptation and mitigation plans to lessen the impact of El Nino to the people.

The CCC official also urged the MMDA not to remove moss and grass in pavements to keep pathways cool as these absorb heat.

“Ang spike ng El Niño ay magpapalala ng ating water crisis. They already declared water bankruptcy. We need to have localized type of water resource management,” Dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz urged schools, churches, and families to implement water conservation measures as well, which could include water recycling.

In previous El Niños, solar-powered pumps were used in irrigation, and water supply has been managed to ensure needs by sectors will be met.

“Bukod sa water district, magtulungan kasama ang LGU to ensure may supply ng tubig,” he said.

Dela Cruz said surface water like that of the Pasig River could be easier to filter for urban use.

Climate measures may also be implemented in agriculture as farmers and fisherfolk remain as vulnerable sectors.

“Huwag na natin ipilit ang palay, baka pwedeng magtanim tayo ng kamote o cassava o saging,” Dela Cruz said.

Rice requires heavier irrigation compared to other crops. 

Some varieties of rice that are resilient to climate have been developed but are yet to be mainstreamed for wider plantation.

“We need to look for endemic crop na hindi kailangan ng maraming tubig,” he added.

The strong El Niño is forecasted from the end of 2026 up to the first quarter of 2027.