Tampakan forms task force to prepare for ‘Super El Niño’

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The municipal government of Tampakan in South Cotabato has created a task force to prepare for the possible effects of Super El Niño, including drought, water shortages and damage to agricultural production.

Mayor Leonard T. Escobillo issued Executive Order No. 37, series of 2026, creating the Tampakan El Niño Response Task Force to lead planning, coordination and the implementation of measures to mitigate the effects of prolonged dry conditions.

The task force will bring together representatives of the municipal government, national government agencies and barangays to coordinate preparations and responses to possible climate-related emergencies.

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It will focus on five key areas, namely, agricultural protection and food security, water resource management, public health and sanitation, fire prevention and public order, and social amelioration and public information.

The order cited the potential effects of Super El Niño on the municipality, including agricultural losses, dwindling water supplies, increased risk of forest and bush fires, heat-related health emergencies and food insecurity.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has warned that El Niño may bring below-normal rainfall to some parts of the country, increasing the risk of drought and related problems.

Through the task force, the municipal government aims to strengthen preparedness and coordinate measures to protect residents and livelihoods from the possible effects of the climate phenomenon.