Eastern Samar provincial government and local government units are stepping up preparations for El Niño, with water security, agriculture, public health, and fire prevention among their major concerns.
While the province is still assessing potential impacts, officials are already implementing measures as weather forecasts indicate drier conditions in the coming months.
One local government taking early action is the municipality of Llorente, where officials are scouting potential watershed areas that could provide additional sources of potable water for the community.
The initiative, led by the municipal government under Mayor Christine Cardona, involves the Office of the Municipal Engineer, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), and the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council).
The search for additional water sources is intended not only to address possible water shortages during El Niño but also to lay the groundwork for longer-term projects to protect and sustain the municipality’s water resources, the LGU said.
The initiative comes as the provincial government and other LGUs in Eastern Samar strengthen their preparedness for the expected effects of prolonged below-normal rainfall.
During the 3rd Quarter Meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Sept. 30, Pagasa weather station Borongan Chief Ricardo Galupe reported that Eastern Samar is experiencing dry spell conditions from June to September, with drought conditions projected from October through March.
He also said El Niño is expected to persist until the end of 2026 and possibly strengthen.
The outlook has prompted the provincial disaster council to push for early, coordinated measures as below-normal rainfall could affect water availability, agriculture, livelihoods, public health, and other essential services.
‘We prepare not because we want it to happen, but to prepare for it when it happens,’ Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan said during the meeting, which she led as representative of Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer Engr. Thomas Campomanes said the provincial government, through the PDRRMO, is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach in preparing for possible El Niño impacts.
Campomanes said the PDRRM office is gathering data from various government agencies and provincial offices to identify vulnerable areas and sectors and determine the preparedness measures that need to be undertaken.
He said the information would help the provincial government assess possible effects on key sectors and ensure that interventions are based on the actual needs and resources of affected communities.
Galupe’s presentation indicated that warmer-than-normal temperatures and drier conditions could increase the risks of heat-related illnesses, water shortages, and agricultural losses.
Under Pagasa’s classification, an area may be considered to be experiencing drought when rainfall remains below normal for three consecutive months.
In Eastern Samar, generally classified as a very wet province, rainfall may still occur during a drought period, but at levels lower than what is normally expected.
Despite this clarification, local officials are being urged to prepare for the possible consequences of prolonged dry conditions, particularly on water supplies.
The PDRRMC stressed that early preparation, data-driven planning, and sustained coordination among the provincial government, LGUs, national agencies, and communities will be critical in reducing potential impacts of El Niño on Eastern Samar.
Besides water security, agriculture is another major concern as farmers could face reduced water availability and possible crop losses.
Agriculture stakeholders are being encouraged to adjust planting calendars, choose crops suited to anticipated weather conditions, prepare farm infrastructure, and consider crop insurance to reduce potential losses from prolonged dry periods.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Eastern Samar has also raised concerns about the increased risk of wildland, grass, and forest fires as vegetation becomes drier.
The BFP is coordinating with LGUs and barangays on fire prevention measures, including campaigns against indiscriminate burning, kaingin, and other forms of open burning.
It is also promoting vegetation management to reduce combustible materials that could fuel fires during the dry months.
The agency reported that it has been providing water rationing and community support in areas affected by temporary water shortages while also proposing measures to improve fire protection coverage and response time.