Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Sunday, April 28 called on the government to start preparations for the impending shift to La Niña.

Escudero said it is imperative that the government starts taking proactive measures in anticipation of the weather phenomenon to safeguard vulnerable communities and mitigate potential risks.

Earlier, the country’s weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), raised an “increasing probability” of La Niña developing later this year.

The La Niña phenomenon, characterized by cooler sea surface temperatures and above-normal rainfall, demands comprehensive programs and early interventions to protect vulnerable sectors and ensure climate resilience, the senator noted.

“By acting now, we can better navigate the challenges posed by changing climate patterns and protect vulnerable communities and sectors, especially our farmers and fisherfolk,” Escudero said.

According to PAGASA, La Niña has a 55-percent chance of developing in the next six months. The last La Niña in the country lasted for three straight years, from September 2020 until early 2023, according to the weather bureau.

In this regard, Escudero reiterated his call for a responsible allocation of calamity funds as the nation grapples currently with El Niño and preparing for the impending La Niña weather phenomenon.

"Since the calamity funds can be legally spent to prepare for a calamity and not just for the actual calamity when it is there, let's prepare for La Niña. Apart from that, we will still be hit by several more typhoons that PAGASA estimates will be five to 10 more typhoons within the year," he stressed.

At the same time, Escudero said the Department of Agriculture (DA) should ensure the provision of aid to farmers and fisherfolk whose livelihood had been affected by the El Niño disturbance.