23/06/2026
๐ฆ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ | ๐๐ป๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ก๐ข: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐น ๐ก๐ถรฑ๐ผ
Right now, the Philippines is in a pitโdark and desperate. Problems plague the economy, corruption continues to persist in government, and as Filipinos cling to the smallest sliver of hope, the climate decides to toss fuel into the fire. Now arises the sun and its scorching rays: Super El Niรฑo.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), El Niรฑo โa naturally occurring climate phenomenon characterized by significantly warm ocean surface temperatures โ has a 92% probability of intensifying into a โstrongโ or โvery strongโ condition by the last quarter of 2026 and continuing into early 2027.
PAGASA further stated that although the 2023โ2024 El Niรฑo was a strong, record-breaking event that followed a prolonged La Niรฑa, the 2026 event has emerged as a potentially โsuperโ El Niรฑo. This phenomenon developed over an already warmer global climate baseline, triggering earlier alerts and raising concerns about more severe and widespread impacts. The last event pushed 2024 to all-time record highs. Because global temperatures have continued to climb, scientists note that the 2026 event could potentially make 2027 the hottest year on record. Although it is commonly accepted that the Philippines is prone to natural catastrophes and unusual heat, this goes beyond tropical climate and geography.
As this scorching climate continues to seep into the air, many Filipinos are beginning to raise concerns about El Niรฑo. This phenomenon might finally open our eyes to the danger we are truly facing. Panic forces questions to rise: What must be done? How do we prepare?
What must be done?
During this El Niรฑo, several regions in the Philippinesโspecifically Luzon and Metro Manilaโexperienced severe drought conditions. Affected areas include the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol. To protect our health, property, and livelihood, it is essential to conserve water, guard against extreme temperatures, and adopt smart agricultural and environmental practices.
What to prepare for El Niรฑo?
El Niรฑo impacts public health through intense heatwaves and droughts. Major threats include dehydration, heatstroke, malnutrition from crop failures, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne diseases driven by stagnant water and rising temperatures. The Department of Health (DOH) recorded a surge in tropical diseases, including nearly 40,000 dengue cases, 1,200 cholera cases, and almost 1,000 typhoid fever cases nationwide. To protect your health and property, stay hydrated, shield yourself from extreme UV exposure, practice water-saving habits at home, and ensure your emergency kits are ready for extreme weather.
The science may be evolving, and the challenges may be vast, but challenges are no reason to give up. Itโs true that no one deserves to suffer this heat, but if we keep complaining that the world is unfair, no progress will be made. Take this challenge and face it head-on. It may not yield tangible rewards, but it will prove that we are strong and resilient.
We Filipinos may be in a pit right now, but history shows we always find a way to climb back up. As long as we keep striving, as long as we keep clinging to hope, as long as we remain wise, we have a future โ a future that wonโt just be a dream, but a reality no heat can burn.
๐๏ธAndrea Denise Nicmic
๐ผ๏ธ Raicel Jean Tiberio
