Declaring PH-wide ‘El Niño’ state of calamity ruled out

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday ruled out the need for now to declare a nationwide state of calamity due to El Niño, saying government agencies were working hard to ease the impact of the weather phenomenon.

At a press briefing, Palace press officer Claire Castro said that they have not given much thought at the moment to making such a declaration, adding that “the needs of our fellow citizens are currently being met.”

“For instance, the NIA (National Irrigation Administration) has indicated that mobile solar-powered irrigation systems are available,” she told reporters.

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READ: Up to P490M in potential farm damage in Central Visayas amid El Niño

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She added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development also continues to provide subsidies to affected farmers while the Department of Agriculture is conducting cloud seeding in areas where drought is likely to be experienced.

“Many interventions are currently being implemented. Again, all these positions will be reviewed to determine whether it is necessary to declare a state of calamity,” Castro said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has warned that El Niño is expected to peak until the end of the year, with its severe impacts to be felt throughout the first half of 2027, such as drought and higher temperatures.

Senate resolution

On Monday, 20 senators crossed party lines to file Senate Resolution No. 765 urging the President, “upon the recommendation of the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council and in accordance with applicable laws, to declare a state of calamity … in areas experiencing drought-related disaster impacts” due to the weather phenomenon.

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The resolution also calls on the Department of Budget and Management and other government agencies to disburse funding from the 2026 budget for Quick Response Funds to prepare for and respond to the effects of El Niño.

The senators also want relevant national and local agencies to monitor the price of goods, as well as prevent hoarding, profiteering and overpricing, to protect consumers from those who want to take advantage of the situation. /cb