Palace: P6.2-billion Aid, P39.8-billion disaster fund ready for ‘super’ El Niño

The government has set aside billions of pesos in contingency and support funds to help farmers, fisherfolk, and communities prepare for the possible impact of a Super El Niño, Malacañang said Thursday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, citing Department of Budget and Management (DBM) data, said the government has already front-loaded support for affected sectors while strengthening disaster-response funds for 2026 and 2027.

For 2026, PHP6.2 billion is available for release to the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the UPLIFT framework for farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño and energy pressures. The assistance includes farm inputs, fertilizer, fuel assistance, and other forms of support.

The 2026 budget also provides PHP39.82 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), which may be used for eligible disaster-related requirements, including climate-related events.

For 2027, the proposed NDRRMF increased to PHP45.67 billion, of which PHP14.67 billion is earmarked for disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction by local government units.

The proposed 2027 national budget also includes PHP9.88 billion in Quick Response Funds for frontline agencies, with provisions allowing additional QRF support from the NDRRMF when necessary.

The government is also strengthening food-security measures, including PHP11.18 billion for National Food Authority rice buffer stocking, PHP4.5 billion for crop insurance covering about 2.34 million small farmers and fisherfolk, and PHP46.31 billion for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), including PHP30.44 billion for irrigation restoration and development.

Castro said the funds form part of preparations being undertaken by agencies in anticipation of the possible severe effects of El Niño.

“Ang pondo po ay talagang pinaglaanan para po mas magkaroon tayo ng tamang pagprepara dahil nga binabanggit ito na Super El Niño (Funds have really been allocated so we can properly prepare, especially since this is being described as Super El Niño),” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

The National Water Resources Board has reduced Metro Manila's water allocation from 52 to 53 cubic meters per second to 44 cubic meters per second starting October amid preparations for possible water-supply pressures.

Castro said the public should prepare but avoid panic or excessive hoarding of bottled water.

She said government agencies are already working on measures to address possible water, agricultural, and social impacts of the weather phenomenon.

Castro also urged households to conserve water and fix leaks as part of preparations.

The weather bureau has warned that the ongoing El Niño is expected to intensify into a “very strong” event between September and December and persist through the first half of 2027.