The government is weighing a realignment of Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) allocations to channel more money toward provinces, cities and municipalities facing the greatest risks from a potentially very strong El Niño, with drought impacts expected to intensify by January 2027.
The proposed adjustments would give local governments greater flexibility to finance emergency measures against worsening water shortages, agricultural losses and extreme heat, particularly in communities identified as highly vulnerable to the weather phenomenon.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who led an interagency meeting on November 4, had asked local government organizations to identify funding gaps and equipment needs, including generators, solar power systems and water storage facilities.
Vulnerability maps will help authorities determine which communities need priority assistance and where resources should be directed.
“Mas nakikita natin kung saan yung pinakamatinding epekto nito,” Castro said, explaining that funding requirements would become clearer as El Niño progresses.
Cagayan Valley, particularly its agricultural communities, has been identified as among the regions at risk. Prolonged dry conditions could threaten farm production and increase pressure on irrigation and local water supplies.
The National Irrigation Administration is preparing to deploy mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps to help farmers sustain production despite reduced water availability.
Castro said initial funding allocations were based on government assessments but could be adjusted as conditions worsen and local needs become more apparent.
“Mas mag-a-adjust, of course, ng tulong ang gobyerno sa nasabing lugar or bayan or probinsya,” she said.
The proposed realignment would allow the government to direct assistance toward areas facing the most severe impacts, although the amount of funding to be shifted and the specific changes to LGSF allocations were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, authorities assured the public that water, food and electricity supplies remain adequate.
Angat Dam, a major source of water for Metro Manila and nearby areas, stood at 208.70 meters on November 3, above its minimum operating level of 180 meters. The current level provides some buffer, but the longer-term challenge will be managing available water as dry conditions persist and demand rises.
