President Marcos said the government is working on strengthening some sectors that could be severely affected by the impending El Niño phenomenon.

Marcos said this as he led the inauguration of the Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (BSRIP) in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

In an interview with reporters, the President said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking into improving the farmers' yields by using new varieties, developing new hybrids, and learning new techniques where they can save water.

"Merong mga technology na bawas na bawas na yung tubig— mga six inches na lang yung tubig pwede na magtanim ng palay, eh. So, baka bumagay ‘yan dito sa Pilipinas (There are new technologies wherein we can plant rice with just six inches of water. Perhaps that is appropriate here in the Philippines)," he said.

Aside from the agriculture sector, President Marcos said the government has to keep the energy sector in mind as well, especially since the dry spell would affect the water levels.

"When the water levels in our dams go down, the energy becomes a scarce resource," he said.

"We have to be more efficient in the distribution of whatever power that we generate. Maraming savings ‘yan kung maganda ang pag-transmit— doon talaga, pumupunta talaga doon sa nangangailangan at walang power (We will save a lot if we make sure that power goes to those who need it)," he added.

He noted that the government is now accelerating the putting up of transmission lines.

In addition, Marcos said the government has to be "logical and rational" in the way it distributes water by determining which areas need the water most.

"So yun ang unahin natin (That's what we should prioritize) and then we go down the line, let’s see kung saan pa dadalhin (where else to bring it)," he said.

The Chief Executive also said that hospitals should be ready to attend to those who might be affected by the extreme heat and other recurring diseases.

"Pag tag-araw, alam naman natin, lalo na yung mga may edad na nahihirapan sa init (We know that when it's hot, the elderly are having a difficult time), so we have to make sure that the hospitals are operating well," Marcos said.

"Bumabalik yung Covid, tumataas yung pneumonia, lahat ng mga ganyan (Covid is returning, the number of pneumonia cases is increasing, things like that). So we have to keep in mind the healthcare system," he added.

According to President Marcos, the country's healthcare system is ready so long as they have sufficient power and water supply.