UN pledges multi-level support to PH amid Strong El Niño threat

MANILA – The United Nations and its agencies based in Manila will provide multiple levels of support to the Philippines as a very strong El Niño threatens to put further strain on agriculture, health, water resources and livelihoods across the country.

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett on Thursday said the international body is ready to back Manila’s efforts at all levels, from preparation and response to recovery.

“Here, the government is really strong in terms of emergency response. So, we supplement those efforts,” she said in an interview in Makati City.

“Normally they have already their plans in place, and we support. They could ask for an international appeal, but we don't often see that happening at that big scale,” she added.

At a press briefing, Burnett, along with UN Resident Coordinator for the Philippines Arnaud Peral and the heads of mission of other UN agencies, outlined the international body’s work to strengthen the Philippines' anticipatory action and resilience.

The impacts of the El Niño event are forecast to persist until the first half of 2027, and will intensify drought, extreme heat and water scarcity across hard-hit regions.

“By investing in anticipatory action, strengthening food systems and livelihoods, protecting essential services, reducing displacement risks, and empowering local institutions, we can help communities withstand climate shocks while protecting lives, livelihoods, and hard-won development gains,” Burnett said.

The UN’s support to the country is focused on anticipatory action, climate-informed planning, climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable livelihood activities, ecosystem-based approaches and shock-responsive social protection.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Ana Liza Solis said nine provinces are currently experiencing drought, 30 are under dry spells, while 14 are facing dry conditions, particularly in Bicol, Eastern Visayas and a large portion of Mindanao.

The official warned that “most parts or all parts of our country” will receive less rainfall until May 2027, or a significant reduction of more than 60 percent.

At present, Solis said Siquijor and some areas in Camarines Norte are already experiencing water stress or water scarcity. Water supply in Metro Manila, on the other hand, remains adequate, but she warned that it still depends on how effectively people manage their water use.

“The MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System) and NWRB (National Water Resources Board) already reduced the allocation for domestic water supply that would supply Metro Manila,” she said.

“So, this is anticipatory in nature, wherein we need to properly manage our water and properly use our water,” she added.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Director Jose Harry Barber said the agency will also advance a “proactive, risk-informed, and whole-of-government approach” to disaster risk reduction and management in the context of El Niño.

He noted that OCD has not observed any “red flag” to suggest that strain in water supply would cause civil unrest.

For his part, Peral had acknowledged the government’s “strong leadership” in response to the climate phenomenon.

“It has activated a nationwide, presidential-coordinated response to the phenomenon. It has already mobilized significant resources,” he said.

“[F]or us at United Nations, it’s obviously very important to coordinate anything that we can do with the government and this early response and mechanisms and governmental-led mechanisms is really helping our work here in the Philippines,” he added.