Teodoro seeks ‘expanded’ cooperation as Asean braces for super El Niño
Stronger cooperation among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member-states on food and energy security efforts will be key as the region braces for a super El Niño, which may cause drought and power shortages, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 20th Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) held in Cebu City, Teodoro said that preparations for super El Niño are crucial as its impact can also become a security concern.
“Amid supply chain challenges from conflicts beyond our shores, we also see value in expanding our cooperation to secure food and energy security,” added Teodoro, who is also ADMM chair.
“This initiative gains in importance as Southeast Asia braces for a super El Niño, which will likewise affect food, water, electricity, and connectivity in our respective countries, thereby having serious potential security implications,” he said.
During a climate forum last month, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that a “very strong” El Niño was likely to emerge between September and December, with the weather phenomenon expected to persist until the first half of 2027.
Pagasa Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Ana Liza Solis said the projection was based on climate models and evaluations.
“Now El Niño is strong, and it could continue until the first half of 2027, and a very strong El Niño is likely to emerge during the September-October-November [and] October-November-December seasons,” Solis warned.
Warmer waters
The state weather bureau characterizes El Niño as the unusual rise in average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, resulting in warmer waters.
Below-normal rainfall is expected, which can cause dry spells and droughts in several areas, affecting the agricultural and livestock industry and, ultimately, a large part of the population.
The Department of Agriculture said on Oct. 21 that it is expecting the country’s agricultural sector to incur P20 billion worth of losses because of El Niño.
Teodoro expressed hope that despite the Asean member-states’ respective diplomatic policies, they would be able to discuss pressing issues openly and within an “atmosphere of trust.”
“As defense and military practitioners, we know the threats that are existing in our region, how they affect the safety of our citizens and the stability of the region. Therefore, we hope to foster an environment that is conducive to frank and open exchanges of views throughout the week, in the spirit of candor and Asian solidarity,” he said.
Through such discussions, member-states’ defense ministers can find common ground and address shared challenges, he added. —WITH A REPORT FROM KATHERINE CIELO GUIMERA
