The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared on Monday, Jan. 6, the onset of the La Niña.
La Niña, characterized by an abnormal cooling of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, is expected to bring above-normal rainfall and a heightened risk of floods, flash floods, and landslides through the first quarter of 2025. The impact of this climatic phenomenon is a pressing challenge that demands collective action.
With these threats, the country must adopt a proactive, multi-sectoral approach to cushion the impact of La Niña, minimize casualties, and reduce long-term damage to communities and infrastructure.
The government must take the lead role in preparing for the effects of La Niña, starting with an early warning system that is accurate and easily accessible. PAGASA’s forecasts are vital, but the government must ensure that these warnings reach vulnerable populations in real time, particularly those in flood-prone or landslide-prone areas. Local government units (LGUs) should be equipped with the resources to disseminate information efficiently.
Equally important is investment in resilient infrastructure. For years, the country has been plagued by inadequate drainage systems, poorly maintained rivers, and poorly constructed infrastructure that often amplifies the impact of heavy rains. The government must accelerate investments in flood control measures, upgrade existing infrastructure, and ensure the stability of road networks, bridges, and other critical structures that are vulnerable to the effects of floods and landslides.
The government must also strengthen disaster response teams and provide adequate training in emergency preparedness. This means ensuring that emergency medical services, rescue teams, and relief operations are well-equipped and can be mobilized without delay.
On the part of the private sector, it must recognize that the impact of La Niña goes beyond government responsibility — it affects businesses, supply chains, and communities alike. Corporations and businesses must prepare their own contingency plans to mitigate operational disruptions caused by extreme weather events. For instance, companies operating in flood-prone areas should adopt flood-resistant designs for their facilities and ensure that their supply chains have redundancies in place to minimize disruption.
Moreover, businesses can play a key role in providing financial and logistical support to disaster preparedness and relief efforts. Companies with vast networks and resources should collaborate with LGUs and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to fund and deploy rapid-response teams to areas at high risk of flooding. The private sector’s innovative capacity can also be harnessed to improve early warning systems and create solutions for disaster response.
Furthermore, industries must be particularly proactive. For instance, the agricultural sector, which is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, must be supported with government-subsidized insurance schemes and climate-resilient farming techniques. Construction companies should adhere to stricter regulations and ensure that projects are climate-resilient, avoiding materials and techniques that are easily compromised by heavy rainfall and flooding.
While the government and private sector play critical roles, the ultimate success of La Niña preparedness lies with the public. Communities should be actively engaged in disaster preparedness drills and local planning. In flood-prone areas, citizens must take the initiative to clear drains and waterways, as clogged drainage systems exacerbate flooding. Likewise, communities must develop local evacuation plans, ensuring that vulnerable groups — such as the elderly, children, and those with disabilities — are given special consideration in the event of an emergency.
Equally important is for individuals to be prepared to act in solidarity with neighbors, especially in times of crisis.
In the face of La Niña’s anticipated impact, the task of protecting lives and minimizing destruction cannot fall on one sector alone. It requires a unified response that spans all levels of society. The government, the private sector, and the public must collaborate — investing in resilience, improving preparedness, and prioritizing the safety of those most vulnerable. Let’s all act now.
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