(Contributed photo)

MANILA, (PIA) -- The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) is urging its private sector partners to collaborate with national and local governments to strengthen response strategies and mitigate risks associated with both El Niño and the potential La Niña.

Additionally, as the nation braces for the potential transition to La Niña, the PDRF emphasized the importance of informed decision-making and collective action in preparing for the evolving climate conditions. 

"It's against that backdrop that we hold this briefing today. Our hope is that we will gain a genuine understanding of the issues that confront us and that we act and prepare for short-term struggles and our long-term concerns," said PDRF President Rene Meily during a virtual briefing organized by the foundation and attended by relevant government agencies. The PDRF is the Philippines’ major private sector vehicle and coordinator for disaster risk reduction and management.

It was reported during the briefing that water and power companies in the Philippines are implementing contingency plans to address shortages caused by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, while the government prepares for a possible transition to La Niña later this year.

Officials from water and power companies outlined their strategies for managing the crisis.

Manila Water, for instance, is enforcing stricter water allocation protocols, deploying mobile treatment plants, and closely monitoring dam levels.

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. is focusing on innovation with a new treatment plant, while Aboitiz InfraCapital leverages technology for optimizing water usage.

The situation is particularly concerning outside Metro Manila. Manila Water Ventures Philippines is activating business continuity plans and exploring alternative water sources to ensure supply sustainability.

Energy woes compound water shortages

The intense heat associated with El Niño has also impacted the country's power supply. Last month, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines issued alerts indicating insufficient power to meet demand, resulting in rotating brownouts. The unavailability of several power plants has further exacerbated the situation.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is urging the public and private sectors to collaborate on energy conservation measures.

These include implementing energy-saving practices, subscribing to interruptible load programs, exploring renewable energy sources, and installing backup power.

The DOE is also providing data to the ENSO online platform, a centralized repository for El Niño and La Niña information managed by Task Force El Niño.

El Niño expected to weaken, La Niña on horizon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the end of the northern monsoon season in March, ushering in a warmer and drier period.

Notably, the agency's El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) monitoring system indicates the presence of both El Niño and La Niña, with a high certainty of persistence for several months.

PAGASA reports that as of April 21, 75 provinces were experiencing drought conditions, primarily in Luzon, Visayas, and parts of northern Mindanao.

Additionally, temperatures have been consistently above average, with highs of 40°C recorded in northern Luzon and 38.2 degrees celsius in Metro Manila.

According to PAGASA, El Niño has significantly impacted agriculture, food security, water resources, and energy production.

The Department of Agriculture reports agricultural damage exceeding P3.94 billion, affecting over 70,000 farmers and fisherfolk. As of April 30, 131 areas have declared a State of Calamity due to El Niño.

Shifting gears for La Niña

While El Niño is expected to weaken by May and eventually transition to ENSO-neutral conditions, La Niña could develop as early as June.

PAGASA forecast suggests that although El Niño may end in June, more than 60 provinces will likely experience below-normal rainfall.

Conversely, La Niña's impact is expected to bring above-normal rainfall conditions by October.

The potential delay in the rainy season due to the combined effects of El Niño and the pre-development stage of La Niña is another concern.

Additionally, El Niño is anticipated to reduce the number of tropical cyclones this year, with forecasts suggesting 13-16 compared to the historical average of 19-20. (PIA-NCR)