PASAY CITY—The Senate Finance Subcommittee E closely scrutinized the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) proposed ₱28.04-billion budget for 2027 on October 19, 2026 demanding clear strategies on how the funding will safeguard vulnerable communities against a looming Super El Niño.

Weather experts have warned that the approaching phenomenon could trigger the most severe drought the Philippines has experienced in five decades. Under the proposed allocation, the DENR’s Office of the Secretary receives the largest share at ₱20.63 billion, followed by the Environmental Management Bureau with ₱3.10 billion, the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority at ₱1.99 billion, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau at ₱1.89 billion.

Subcommittee Chairperson Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized that the budget of frontline agencies must directly match the urgency of climate-related threats as the phenomenon threatens to peak in early 2027.

“Filipino people expect agility in the response and fitness for the purpose of the budget of frontline agencies such as the DENR. Its budget should reflect this. Dapat buhusan ng pondo ang paghahanda at emergency response sa paparating na tagtuyot para maibsan ang dagok nito sa bawat Pilipino,” Senator Hontiveros said.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” T. Cuna outlined the DENR's multi-layered response during the hearing, detailing joint operations with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its concessionaires.

Secretary Cuna highlighted the deployment of critical emergency assets, including 61 reactivated deep wells, 135 stationary water tanks, 182 mobile water tankers, and 15 water bladders donated by the Netherlands. Complementing these initiatives, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Administrator Atty. Jose Moises “Joy” F. Salonga confirmed issuing memorandum circulars directing provincial water districts to enforce strict water conservation and reduce non-revenue water losses.Lawmakers also delved into nature-based solutions and infrastructure preparedness aimed at long-term drought mitigation.

Forest Management Bureau (FMB) Director Atty. Arturo Fadriquela presented the operational status and expansion plans for the country's Small Water Impounding Systems (SWIS), revealing that the bureau is seeking ₱185 million under the 2027 budget to construct and expand these vital water management facilities across high-risk agricultural zones.

Beyond short-term emergency responses, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano highlighted the importance of long-term environmental awareness. He urged the DENR to collaborate closely with educational institutions to embed environmental responsibility into the basic education curriculum, arguing that behavioral changes among youth are vital to sustainable resource management.

“Ten, 20 years from now, I think what will make an impact is not only the strict enforcement of the law, but really the education…Talagang maidikdik sa utang ng young generation that if you protect the environment, then the environment protects you,” Senator Cayetano said.

As committee deliberations drew to a close, senators reiterated that funding approval will hinge on the DENR’s concrete proof of readiness to mitigate climate extremes, protect water supplies, and deliver immediate relief to affected provinces.