ILOILO City – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6 is intensifying its monitoring of weather patterns and climate indicators to provide local governments across Western Visayas with timely scientific advisories as the ongoing El Niño threatens to disrupt water supplies and agricultural production until mid-2027.
DOST-6 Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga said the agency is relying on continuous weather surveillance and information from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to help local authorities anticipate changing conditions and undertake appropriate preparedness measures.
The monitoring covers key weather parameters and thematic indicators that serve as the basis for advisories issued to local government units (LGUs) and the public.
“We continue to monitor weather conditions, key weather parameters, and thematic indicators so that we can formulate and issue timely, appropriate advisories to our Local Government Units (LGUs) and the general public,” Gelonga said.
The heightened monitoring comes as PAGASA forecasts that the strong to very strong El Niño in the tropical Pacific will reach peak intensity between September and December 2026, with below-normal rainfall and dry conditions potentially persisting through the first half of 2027.
The extended outlook underscores the importance of giving local governments sufficient information to prepare for possible disruptions to irrigation, household water supplies and other essential services.
“On the part of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), our primary role in monitoring the ongoing El Niño relies heavily on the services offered by DOST-PAGASA,” Gelonga stated.
Science-based preparedness
Gelonga emphasized that local chief executives and disaster risk reduction and management councils must remain closely aligned with official advisories from PAGASA and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).
He said following government guidelines is particularly important in managing available water resources.
“We must listen to and strictly follow the advisories and guidelines issued by government agencies, particularly on water conservation,” Gelonga urged.
“For our farmers, it is crucial to remain fully aware of water allocation limits and adhere closely to the guidelines set by the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with advice from other regulatory authorities,” he added.
DOST-6 is coordinating with LGUs across the region as authorities seek to strengthen preparedness against the possible effects of prolonged drought.
Public participation essential
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. stressed that scientific monitoring and technological interventions must be complemented by public cooperation, particularly in conserving water.
“Essentially, the bottom line is that everyone should be involved, even ourselves—magtipid sa paggamit ng tubig (conserve water in every way possible),” Solidum urged.
He called on households, businesses and municipal water operators across Panay, Guimaras and Negros Occidental to immediately adopt water-saving practices.
Meanwhile, the DOST is promoting locally developed technologies that could help communities maintain access to safe drinking water during prolonged dry conditions.
These include the solar-powered Safe Water Treatment System (SAFEWATRS), capable of producing up to 2,000 liters of potable water within nine hours, and Modular Water Desalination Technology, which converts seawater or brackish water into drinking water at a baseline rate of 40 liters per hour.
Developed through the DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute, the technologies are intended for remote, coastal and disaster-prone communities.
With El Niño expected to affect the region well into 2027, DOST-6 is emphasizing continuous monitoring, timely advisories and interagency coordination to help protect public health, agricultural production and food security.
The agency’s efforts highlight the role of scientific information in enabling communities and local authorities to prepare for adverse climate conditions rather than respond only after their effects become severe./PN
