Joselito Malig

Article (news)

NIA bracing for super El Niño with AI

Jekki Pascual

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The National Irrigation Administration is ready for the looming super El Niño, which is expected to hit the Philippines within the year.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/5/22/something-coming-what-scientists-know-about-a-potential-super-el-nino-1151" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Something coming: What scientists know about a potential &#x27;super&#x27; El Nino</a></div>NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen said they are now using modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to monitor dams, the weather, and agricultural lands across the country.Guillen gave ABS-CBN News a tour of its new command center in Quezon City where they have visual monitoring of dams, including Magat and Pantabangan.He said AI is being used to measure how much rain will pour in the coming days and to determine if they will need to release water. &quot;Meron kami advanced forecasting system kasi. Na-forecast namin ilan paparating, gaano kadami paparating na tubig at masasabi namin kung aapaw ba ang dam,&quot; Guillen said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/6/1/ph-dams-prepared-for-el-ni-o-says-nia-1546" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PH dams prepared for El Niño, says NIA</a></div>The new system, he said, is also a flood control system because they can now determine the right amount of water to release and when they can release it.The mechanism has prevented major floods in recent typhoons.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/6/2/each-el-nino-is-unique-says-wmo-s-climate-prediction-chief-1825" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Each El Nino is unique, says WMO&#x27;s climate prediction chief</a></div>Aside from using AI and new technologies, NIA is also pushing for changing the cropping calendar and diversification of crops. Guillen said if farmers plant during the rainy season, then NIA will not need to release more water for irrigation. Hopefully, it won&#x27;t be a typhoon period, though, as it can also destroy crops.He also urged farmers to change crops during hot and dry weather like the looming El Niño. This will lessen the need for more water and will also increase income for farmers.&quot;Hinihikayat natin farmers natin na magpalit sila ng crop. So instead na palay, magtatanim sila ng high-value crops na hindi masyadong nangangailangan ng patubig kagaya ng mongo, mais,&quot; he added.NIA, which is under the Office of the President, is also repairing and upgrading irrigation facilities. It also has deployed solar powered irrigation systems across the country, which will help farmers amid high costs of fuel and electricity.

The National Irrigation Administration is ready for the looming super El Niño.