Recto orders faster public spending, early procurement for super El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has directed government agencies to accelerate public spending and begin early procurement for 2027 programs.

He particularly outlined actions that involve preparing the country for the anticipated “super” El Niño.

In a statement on Saturday, Recto said he issued the directive during a meeting with key department heads, saying the government has only two months left to improve spending.

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During the meeting in Malacañang on Oct. 8, the secretary also told heads of agencies to ensure that programs to address the effects of anticipated prolonged dry spells and droughts will be promptly implemented.

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“We have one more quarter to improve spending for the year. Let’s get our acts together in the fourth quarter,” Recto said.

“Spend and start doing early procurement, especially on programs that would strengthen our response against El Niño. This way, we can fully catch up in the first quarter of next year,” he noted.

With government spending up by 7.5 percent in the first three quarters of 2026, Recto urged agencies to keep up the pace, and speed up projects and aid programs that can be carried out by year-end.

Priority programs include education, health, infrastructure and transport procurement, cash assistance, employment support, and interventions to help farmers and fisherfolk prepare for El Niño.

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These actions include provisions of solar-powered seed cold storage and irrigation systems.

“Preparedness is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to act early. Our job is to make sure that when the effects of El Niño come, the government is ready and Filipinos are protected,” he said.

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READ: El Niño will intensify, then peak in December – UN

The so-called super El Niño will intensify even further before peaking in December, the United Nations said, warning it could be among the strongest people will witness since at least 1950.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. also predicted that all of the 82 provinces in the country are expected to experience drought by March next year due to El Niño. /apl

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READ: El Niño to bring drought to all provinces by March 2027 – DOST