Laguna de Bay water level dips below critical threshold amid El Niño

LUCENA CITY — Laguna de Bay's water level fell to 12.20 meters on Monday afternoon, staying 30 centimeters below the critical-high threshold of 12.50 meters, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). The measurement was recorded at 1 p.m. and released in an LLDA advisory to residents and stakeholders in the region. The decline reflects ongoing dry conditions associated with El Niño, which has affected precipitation patterns across the Philippines and wider Southeast Asia. Laguna de Bay, the country's largest freshwater lake, serves as a crucial water source for millions of residents in the Calabarzon region and Metro Manila. The LLDA continues to monitor water levels and issue regular advisories to guide water management and emergency preparedness efforts. Authorities have not reported any immediate water supply concerns, though officials remain vigilant as El Niño conditions are expected to persist in coming months.