Keep Christmas parties simple as peak of Super El Niño looms – Palace

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday encouraged the public to keep the upcoming holiday celebrations simple as the country braces for the peak of Super El Niño.

At a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government agencies concerned are preparing for the effects of Super El Niño, which include drought and possible water supply interruptions.

READ: Marcos declares state of national energy emergency

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Asked whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will order simpler holiday celebrations, Castro said austerity measures have been in place since the energy crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

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“The austerity measures that need to be implemented remain in place,” she recalled.

“So, while we are not ordering the cancellation of Christmas parties, our reminder is that these celebrations should be kept simple because there are still many other issues that need to be addressed,” she said.

A “very strong El Niño” event has formed in the tropical Pacific and is expected to peak by the end of the year, with its effects likely to persist through mid-2027, according to the state weather bureau.

On Nov. 4, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto convened the leaders of key government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to talk about the country’s readiness for Super El Niño.

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During the meeting, Castro said the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System reported that it is managing water supplies from dams, exploring alternative water sources, and practising water conservation programs.

She added that private companies were encouraged to help improve water supply systems in communities near their operations.

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Meanwhile, the Department of Health offered to assist LGUs in assessing new water sources to check if they are safe for drinking.

Castro said the Department of Energy will step up power plant maintenance, expedite permit processing, and put in place adequate reserves of fuel and other energy sources.

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The Department of Agriculture, for its part, is preparing to expand solar-powered irrigation systems. /apl