Laguna ramps up contingency plans as Super El Niño threatens water supply and public services

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 17, 2026

Photo Courtesy: LAGUNA PIO

Laguna is strengthening its disaster preparedness measures as the province braces for the possible effects of a very strong El Niño, with local officials prioritizing water security, fire prevention and hospital readiness.

Governor Sol Aragones has directed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to prepare contingency plans and coordinate closely with cities and municipalities ahead of potentially prolonged dry conditions.

During a meeting with disaster management officials at the Provincial Capitol in Santa Cruz on October 12, Aragones stressed the need to ensure that residents across the province would have access to safe drinking water as the weather phenomenon intensifies.

She also identified fire prevention and keeping hospitals on red alert as key priorities, warning that the province must be ready to respond to emergencies that could arise during the dry season.

To improve coordination, Aragones proposed establishing an El Niño Command Center where local governments could consolidate information, report urgent needs and request additional assistance from the provincial government.

The initiative is intended to help officials identify potential shortages and other risks early, allowing resources to be directed to communities that need them most.

Local government representatives also raised the possibility of declaring a state of imminent danger to facilitate the procurement of essential equipment, including solar-powered water pumps, and speed up the delivery of assistance.

The preparations come amid warnings that the expected very strong El Niño could bring below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in parts of the country, potentially affecting water supplies, agriculture and public health.

National agencies are also preparing measures to address possible shortages, support farmers and protect vulnerable communities as the dry season approaches.

For Laguna, provincial officials say close coordination among local governments and early planning will be critical to minimizing the effects of prolonged dry weather and ensuring essential services remain available to residents.