DENR heightens measures to prepare communities for El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has mobilized its regional offices, line bureaus and field units to strengthen nationwide preparedness and mitigation measures against the ongoing El Niño.

The state weather bureau warns that this climate pattern may intensify into a very strong event before year-end and persist through the first half of 2027.

The DENR’s heightened preparations include building additional water sources, promoting water conservation, protecting watersheds and forests, preventing forest fires, safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems, and protecting personnel from extreme heat.

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El Niño is expected to bring increased risks of prolonged dry conditions, reduced water availability and extreme heat in parts of the country.

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“With the critical action window now upon us, every DENR unit must proactively execute climate adaptation and risk reduction protocols,” DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said. 

READ: DENR urges public to conserve water amid threats of extended El Niño

“By closely coordinating with local government units, monitoring our vital water systems, and promoting strict conservation practices, we are taking decisive steps to protect our communities, ecosystems, and natural resources from the severe impacts of this climate phenomenon,” the secretary said.

Among its measures, the DENR has constructed small water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems to provide additional water supply during periods of limited rainfall.

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Its regional offices and attached agencies are also strengthening water conservation, watershed monitoring, forest-fire prevention, ecosystem protection and heat-safety measures in coordination with local governments and other stakeholders.

In Central Luzon, the Pampanga Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and regional field units are conducting information campaigns in barangays and community colleges in Guagua and Lubao, to promote simple water-saving practices such as using buckets instead of hoses, reusing greywater, repairing leaks and harvesting rainwater.

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DENR Region 3 is also monitoring possible coral bleaching linked to elevated sea surface temperatures in coastal areas, including Aurora.

In Caraga, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has advised mining companies and processing plants to manage water demand, check for leaks, harvest rainwater, and establish cooling stations and early warning systems for extreme heat.

Advisories have also been sent to provincial governors in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands to strengthen local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and monitor critical watersheds.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 11 has strengthened health and safety measures for field personnel, including limiting high-exposure outdoor work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing personal protective equipment and ensuring continuous hydration.

These measures help secure water for communities during dry periods, protect forests and watersheds, and safeguard people and livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems.

Water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems provide additional sources of water when rainfall is limited, while conservation efforts help make available supplies last longer.

Protecting forests and watersheds also helps maintain the natural systems that collect, store and regulate water.

READ: Palace: No need to hoard water amid threats of super El Niño

The DENR’s proactive measures support the government’s broader preparations for El Niño and the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for government agencies to prepare early for the expected dry spell.

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Through early action, continuous monitoring and coordination with local governments and other stakeholders, the DENR is working to strengthen the country’s climate resilience and help communities better manage the effects of El Niño.