MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang assured the public on Friday that the country’s water and food supplies remain sufficient to withstand the impacts of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
The reassurance follows warnings from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) regarding a very strong El Niño currently developing in the tropical Pacific.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported that major reservoirs remain at safe levels, noting that Angat Dam’s water level stood at 208.70 meters on November 3—comfortably above its 180-meter minimum operating threshold.
“Tinitiyak po ng pamahalaan na sapat ang suplay ng tubig sa mga dams at mga water sources. Noong November 3, nasa 208.70 meters ang lebel ng tubig sa Angat Dam, mas mataas sa minimum operating level na 180 meters,” Castro said during a briefing.
Alongside water security, Castro stated that the Department of Agriculture has guaranteed adequate food reserves, particularly rice, while the Department of Energy is closely monitoring power plants to ensure continuous energy generation.
Emphasizing the government’s preparedness, Castro echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s remarks on the severity of the weather disturbance and the administration’s readiness to assist affected communities.
“Sabi nga ng Pangulo, ibang klase ang very strong El Niño na nararanasan natin at mararanasan pa sa mga susunod na araw pero handa po ang gobyerno na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” she added.