Health authorities urged: Boost readiness as amihan, El Niño loom

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs), and healthcare facilities nationwide to heighten preparations for health risks as the country enters the northeast monsoon or amihan season amid a potentially intensifying El Niño phenomenon.     

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, stressed the need to protect vulnerable sectors, including children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, outdoor workers, and individuals with existing medical conditions.  

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the onset of the amihan season on October 27, following the strengthening of a high-pressure area over East Asiathat brought northeasterly winds and lower temperatures to parts of Northern Luzon.
PAGASA said the amihan season may bring cooler weather, occasional cold surges, and rough sea conditions
However, the weather bureau also warned that El Niño could intensify before the end of 2026, with effects potentially extending into the first half of 2027. 

Go said the changing weather conditions could expose communities to various health risks, including respiratory illnesses during cooler periods, heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and diseases associated with water shortages and poor sanitation.

“Hindi natin dapat hintayin na lumala pa ang sitwasyon bago tayo kumilos. Habang maaga, dapat nakahanda na ang tubig, pagkain, serbisyong pangkalusugan, ayuda at iba pang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” Go said in a statement.

He urged health authorities to ensure adequate medical supplies and strengthen disease surveillance as he called on hospitals, rural health units, and barangay health stations to prepare for weather-related health emergencies.

“Dapat maagapan ito sa barangay pa lang. Kailangan may impormasyon ang mga tao kung paano iiwas sa heatstroke, paano ligtas ang tubig na iniinom, at saan lalapit kapag may nararamdaman,” he said.

Go also called for closer coordination among the DOH, PAGASA, local health offices, and barangay officials to ensure timely public advisories and assistance, particularly in low-income and geographically isolated communities where access to healthcare and safe water may be limited.

He noted that El Niño-related heat may increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, while water shortages and improper water storage could contribute to waterborne diseases and mosquito breeding.

Go also reiterated his call for the establishment of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), which he said would institutionalize a more coordinated and proactive approach to disaster preparedness and response.

He filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to create a specialized government department tasked with strengthening the country’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and other emergencies.   

Go said the proposed DDR could help address the increasingly complex effects of extreme weather events, including drought, water shortages, agricultural disruptions, and public health emergencies.

As part of his health reform advocacy, Go also cited his support for the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide and the implementation of the Malasakit Centers Act and Regional Specialty Centers Act to improve access to medical services.  

“Kapag matindi ang init, kalusugan at kabuhayan ng tao ang unang tinatamaan. Dapat malinaw ang protocol, mabilis ang aksyon, at handa ang ating mga ospital at health workers,” the senator added. (CEBU NEWS)