Over 14,000 barangays prioritized for ‘super El Niño’ preparations
Dried up rice fields in San Miguel, Bulacan due to the presence of a strong El Nino in the Philippines, in this photo taken on February 26, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file MANILA — More than 14,000 barangays, or 34 percent of the country’s total, will be given high priority in preparation for the looming Super El Niño, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said during a Senate budget hearing on Monday.
The DENR identified these barangays as priority areas for its interventions by December 2026.
Among the priority areas are Masbate City in Masbate, Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro, and seven other local government units (LGUs) in Isabela.
“But do note that this assessment is indicative only and based on available spatial data,” DENR Central Office Representative Via Estolero said.
The agency said the assessment was based on data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the National Water Resources Board, particularly on water service coverage, groundwater stress, and drought outlook.
Meanwhile, around 17,000 barangays will be classified as moderate priority, while another 9,000 will be categorized as low priority.
As part of its preparations for Super El Niño, the DENR said it would pursue measures to expand water service coverage and implement water-related projects, including strengthening water districts and water systems.