MANILA, Philippines — Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Representative Robert Nazal has pressed the government to scale up proactive measures against the severe El Niño phenomenon, warning that worsening water scarcity poses a grave threat to public health, food production, and the country’s economy.
Through House Resolution (HR) No. 1555, Nazal urged national authorities, Task Force El Niño, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and local government units (LGUs) to align their strategies and implement robust mitigation frameworks.
The legislative push follows PAGASA’s October 7 El Niño Advisory No. 5, which indicated that strong to very strong El Niño conditions across the Tropical Pacific are expected to last through the first half of 2027, with a peak projected before the end of 2026.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay marami nang probinsya ang nakakaranas na ng matinding kakulangan sa supply ng tubig. This has resulted in fires, regular water interruptions and even diseases directly or indirectly brought about by the water supply issues we are currently facing,” Nazal said.
With multiple provinces already grappling with reduced rainfall, dry spells, droughts, and surging temperatures, Nazal called on Task Force El Niño to immediately review and update the Strategic El Niño National Action Plan for 2026-2027.
He also encouraged LGUs and the NDRRMC to leverage mechanisms under Republic Act No. 12287, known as the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, to fast-track anticipatory interventions.
“National government must take proactive steps to tackle El Niño head on and prepare for the worst case scenario. As policymakers, we in the legislative are prepared to work with the Executive and come up with the necessary interventions for the benefit of the people and the economy,” added the assistant minority leader.
The lawmaker emphasized that food, water, and energy security must remain top priorities. His resolution outlines critical needs, including repairing irrigation infrastructure, setting up heat-protection guidelines for students and outdoor workers, and distributing early assistance to vulnerable sectors such as farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, and low-income families.
Furthermore, Nazal urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expedite the release of disaster funds to empower LGUs on the ground.
“The timely release of these funds for preparedness and response measures will help the LGUs to implement the interventions necessary to address the concerns specific to their areas,” Nazal noted.
He also invited concerned agencies to coordinate directly with Congress for any supplementary funding needed for El Niño responses that may fall outside the proposed 2027 national budget.
“Magsabi na sila habang tinatalakay pa ng Kongreso ang 2027 budget para magawan na ng paraan na maipasok ang pondong kailangan para sa pagtugon sa El Niño,” he stated.
Under HR 1555, Task Force El Niño is expected to submit regular monthly implementation reports to the House of Representatives, while the House Committee on Disaster Resilience is directed to initiate a formal inquiry into the nation’s readiness.