Senator urges water infrastructure push ahead of Super El Niño

Senator JV Ejercito has urged the Department of Agriculture and other relevant government agencies to prioritize the development of water impounding facilities in preparation for the expected Super El Niño weather pattern. Speaking during the agency's budget hearing on Wednesday, Ejercito stressed that water storage infrastructure represents a vital component of the country's climate adaptation strategy. The senator emphasized that robust water impounding systems could serve dual purposes—managing water scarcity during extended dry periods while simultaneously reducing flood risks during heavy rainfall events. Ejercito's recommendation comes as meteorologists warn of intensified drought and rainfall patterns potentially associated with the Super El Niño phenomenon. The senator called for coordinated action among government agencies to fast-track infrastructure projects that would enhance the agricultural sector's resilience to extreme weather conditions and protect rural communities that depend heavily on water availability for farming and daily needs.