DOST Warns of Intensifying El Niño, MWSS RO Assures Continued Water Supply

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned the public of aggravating El Niño currently persisting in the Philippines.

In a recent press release, the weather bureau notified that the phenomenon may reach “Very Strong El Niño” level anytime between September and December 2026, and may last until the first six months of 2027.

In spite of the dry and hot climate, the PAGASA informed that the Philippines, particularly in the western part, may still experience rainfalls brought about by southwest monsoon (“habagat”) and active tropical cyclones.

El Niño is a natural phenomenon that triggers hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall, leading to agricultural difficulties and reduced water supply, among others.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) has allayed fears among the public about imminent water service interruptions in the duration of El Niño.

In a recent phone patch interview, MWSS RO chief regulator Patrick Lester N. Ty expressed confidence that the government has adequate preparations to mitigate the adverse effects of the phenomenon.

“We are very confident that we have enough preparations, and because of the activities and infrastructure projects that we delivered or will be delivered in the coming months, we are going to be ready. We don’t foresee any major water service interruptions,” Ty stated.

“If there will be any, it will not be widespread, and it will be localized and minimal compared [with] the water crisis before,” added the MWSS RO head.

The MWSS RO is government-owned or -controlled corporation mandated to monitor the performance of water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc. as regards the fulfillment of their contractual obligations specified in the revised concession agreements entered into between them and the national government. The MWSS RO’s jurisdiction covers Metro Manila and some parts of Cavite and Rizal province.