Palace defends Marcos’ ‘balde’ advice as part of El Niño preparations

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 15, 2026

Photo courtesy: RTVM

“𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢 𝐧𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐨 𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 ’𝐩𝐚𝐠 𝐮𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐭𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐲𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐭.” – 𝐏𝐁𝐁𝐌

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s advice for Filipinos to collect rainwater using buckets, saying the measure is part of broader government preparations for a potentially severe El Niño.

The President made the remark during a media interview in Singapore on October 11. He urged households to conserve water and prepare containers to collect rainwater amid concerns over possible shortages.

However, the suggestion drew criticism from those questioning whether household rainwater collection would be enough to address the effects of prolonged drought.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded on Tuesday, October 13, saying the government was taking the El Niño threat seriously.

Castro explained that collecting rainwater is only one of several measures being prepared to protect water supplies, agriculture and essential services.

Government outlines El Niño preparations

President Marcos has reconvened key government agencies to strengthen the country’s response to El Niño.

These include the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) are also involved.

According to Castro, discussions focused on protecting food production, managing water resources and maintaining energy supplies.

The government is also preparing assistance for farmers and measures to support essential services during prolonged dry conditions.

Marcos earlier directed concerned agencies to prioritize hospitals and ensure they have adequate electricity, medicines and other necessary supplies.

Preparations also cover the possible effects of extreme heat on schools and communities.

Palace addresses criticism over bucket remark

Castro maintained that the President’s advice was a practical way for households to prepare for water shortages.

She also urged the public to consider the government’s wider El Niño response rather than focus solely on the bucket recommendation.

During the briefing, Castro criticized those she described as obstructionists and used the phrase “baldeng utak” when responding to critics.

The Palace also announced plans to explain how households can safely collect and filter rainwater.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian was tasked with demonstrating water-filtration methods as part of the government’s public information campaign.

On Wednesday, October 14, Gatchalian demonstrated a portable filtration system that can be attached to an ordinary bucket.

The DSWD said the equipment can help provide safe drinking water to communities affected by disasters and water shortages.

PAGASA warns of prolonged El Niño

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that a strong to very strong El Niño is affecting the tropical Pacific.

In its October 7 advisory, PAGASA said the weather phenomenon could peak before the end of 2026 and continue through the first half of 2027.

El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, which could lead to dry spells and drought in parts of the Philippines.

However, PAGASA said heavy rainfall may still occur during tropical cyclones and other rain-bearing weather systems.

The weather bureau has urged government agencies and vulnerable communities to prepare for possible disruptions to water supplies and agriculture as El Niño continues.