By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter
THE Philippines faces heightened economic risks from a potentially severe El Niño as a prolonged drought threatens agricultural production, food security, as well as water and energy supplies at a time when the government and households are still grappling with other external pressures.
Shombi Sharp, deputy executive secretary at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), said the Philippines is considered an El Niño hotspot, making it particularly vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions and drought.
“The history, unfortunately, demonstrates that the Philippines does face extremely high risk and vulnerability,” Mr. Sharp told BusinessWorld in an interview.
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