MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The Provincial Government of Bulacan has formally created a dedicated El Niño Task Force to ensure coordinated, proactive action against the anticipated effects of the weather phenomenon, prioritizing water security, agricultural support, and public health protection across the province.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center this October 8, 2026, to launch the task force and align response plans across all sectors. Also present during the meeting were Vice Governor Alex Castro, Board Member Michael Aquino, and PDRRMO Officer-in-Chief Manuel Lukban Jr.

Heads of key provincial offices in attendance included:

– PPAO: Krissa Talavera

– Provincial Agriculture Office: Gigi Carillo

– PSWDO: Weng Joson

– BENRO: Juvic Degala

– PCEDO: Jayric Amil

Also covering the activity were accredited media representatives duly recognized by the Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO). Governor Fernando emphasized that he had called upon these PPAO-accredited media partners to help combat fake news as the province faces the strong El Niño phenomenon, ensuring that accurate, reliable, and potent information reaches every Bulakenyo family.

“We must not wait until water scarcity, livelihood losses, and health risks are upon us before we act. Our priority is the welfare of every Bulakenyo — especially our farmers, families who may face water shortages, and sectors most vulnerable to extreme heat. I have called on our accredited media through the PPAO to stand with us in fighting misinformation, so that every Bulakenyo receives only the correct and timely information they need to prepare and stay safe,” Governor Fernando stated.

The council approved an executive order establishing the El Niño Task Force, chaired by the Governor with the Provincial Science and Technology Office serving as co-chair. Key sectoral leads have been designated to ensure clear accountability:

– Food Security: Provincial Agriculture Office

– Water Security: Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office

– Energy Security: Provincial General Services Office

– Health Security: Provincial Health Office – Public Health Division

– Safety and Security: Department of the Interior and Local Government – Bulacan

– Secretariat: Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

Governor Fernando also proposed that the next meeting of the Task Force include all local government unit heads — mayors of municipalities and cities across the province — to ensure full coordination and unified preparedness efforts at the local level.

“Every office must have clear roles, identified resource requirements, and a coordinated system with cities, municipalities, barangays, and partner agencies. Each plan must name who is responsible, set timelines, and specify what resources are needed,” Governor Fernando emphasized.

During the meeting, PAGASA Weather Specialist Julie M. Nimes presented the latest climate outlook, warning that Bulacan may experience dry conditions through November 2026, a dry spell from December 2026 to January 2027, and potential drought from February to March 2027. These projections will guide the province’s phased preparedness and response activities.

Various provincial and national agencies presented their respective readiness plans and ongoing initiatives.

Governor Fernando stressed that the meeting must translate into immediate, tangible results. “The true measure of this gathering is what we actually put into action afterward. The safety, livelihood, and well-being of countless Bulakenyo families depend on us acting together and acting early.”