The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that the El Niño might not last as long as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) first predicted.
On Friday, Dec 22, NEDA Chief Arsenio M. Balisacan announced the anticipated El Niño may hit its stride in April, potentially impacting 80% of the nation, sooner than the May prediction.
Balisacan noted PAGASA shared the new El Niño update in their latest meeting.
“In our briefing the other day, PAGASA provided us new information that the earlier forecast that the El Niño would peak in May, current data now show that peak would occur in April,” Balisacan told reporters.
“It looks like it’s going to be a shorter El Niño phenomenon and that should be good for us, for the economy. But still, we will not loosen our guards,” he added.
The head of NEDA acknowledged that reaching the top of next year’s projected economic growth range (6.5% to 8%) might be tough because of international challenges and El Niño’s effects.
Upcoming El Niño to affect 80% of the country
He mentioned the current El Niño may last until mid-2024, possibly triggering a rise in the cost of living.
Despite the brief El Niño, Balisacan noted the administration will keep an eye on domestic food costs, especially rice, because of likely risks.
“So as rice is concerned, we need to ensure that our stakeholders have access to food even if the production is not enough to meet domestic consumption.” Balisacan said.
Meanwhile, despite the DENR evaluation, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System asserted on Tuesday that there would be enough water next year, even with El Niño looming.
Announcing readiness for the expected drought, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has stated it exceeded its Angat Dam water storage goal with 214 meters on hand.
The DENR cautions that not saving water sufficiently throughout El Niño could risk our access to it.
Dizon mentioned that even though Angat Dam’s water levels might fall below the standard operating mark of 180 meters amid El Niño’s climax, PAGASA predicts a replenishment with June’s rainfalls.
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