President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to conserve water and grow their own food as the government prepares for the anticipated Super El Niño, which is expected to last until early next year.
Speaking during a media briefing in Singapore, Marcos rejected criticism that the government was inadequately prepared for the anticipated weather phenomenon.
He said the government’s Task Force El Niño had prepared measures to ensure adequate electricity, medicines for hospitals and food supplies, including rice and meat, across the country.
Marcos said the government would take steps to prevent shortages, including importing food if necessary.
With agriculture and water supplies expected to be heavily affected, the president called on the public to help mitigate the impact.
He encouraged Filipinos to revive the “Green Revolution” initiative by growing vegetables in their backyards, similar to practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also urged households to store water and avoid wasting it.
The government plans to distribute water filters and medicines to help people store water safely and prevent water-related illnesses, according to the report.
Other planned measures include cloud seeding and alternative learning arrangements for students to prevent classes from being disrupted by extreme heat.
For farmers who may lose crops because of water shortages, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other government agencies will establish livelihood and cash-for-work programs to provide alternative sources of income.
Marcos also said government agencies would present their detailed plans to him after he returns to the Philippines.
The measures are intended to address potential challenges involving food security, water availability, electricity, public health, education and farmers’ livelihoods during the anticipated El Niño period.
The government has identified public participation as part of its response, particularly through water conservation and household food production, as authorities prepare for the expected effects of prolonged dry conditions.
