Malacañang on Thursday urged the public to remain calm and prepare properly for the possible effects of El Niño, assuring Filipinos that the government is ready to respond to the weather phenomenon and its impact on water supply.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government has put measures in place, including assistance for farmers and fisherfolk.

“Handa ang pamahalaan sa phenomenon na ito dahil kung matatandaan ninyo, noong 2024 ay nagkaroon tayo ng Task Force El Niño. Kumbaga, ang El Niño ay hindi na bago sa Pilipinas,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer noted that the public should avoid unnecessary panic.

Castro also discouraged the public from hoarding bottled water, saying there is no reported shortage of drinking water.

“Ang pag-iipon ng tubig, tama naman, pero hindi sa pamamaraan na kailangan mag-hoard ng mga mineral water na mabibili ninyo. Hindi ’yan tamang paghahanda,” Castro said.

Castro warned that panic buying and excessive hoarding could disrupt supply and drive up prices.

Earlier, the National Water Resources Board announced that it would reduce Metro Manila’s water allocation from 52–53 cubic meters per second to 44 cubic meters per second starting October due to the possible effects of El Niño.

Castro said the government will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with concerned agencies. Presidential News Desk