An official from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assured the public that the Marcos administration is already taking measures to cushion the possible adverse effects of the El Nino phenomenon in the country, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
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In an interview cited by the PCO in a statement, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the effects of the long-dry spell this year, particularly on inflation, are not expected to be significant. She added that the government sees no significant impact of El Niño on the economy and inflation of the country if the appropriate and timely preparations and contingency measures are in place. “Ngayong taon na ito hindi namin nakikita iyon (We don't see its effects this year)," Edillon said. "Kung (If we're talking of) impact for next year, that really depends on how we're able to prepare this year," she added. Nevertheless, Edillon said the government is already preparing even though the brunt of the phenomenon is expected to occur at the beginning of 2024. “Iyong preparasyon para doon kailangan ngayon nagsisimula na (The preparations for that must start now),” she said. The NEDA official noted that reducing the allocation for irrigation water in favor of residential use at Angat Dam would help ease the effects of the phenomenon. "The planting season has already concluded, eliminating the need for irrigation water at this point," Edillon said. She added that frequent rainfall experienced nationwide should be taken advantage of, such as accelerating the completion of small impounding water projects.