Go highlighted the need to safeguard vulnerable sectors, including children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, outdoor workers, and people with existing medical conditions, from illnesses and health risks brought about by changing weather patterns.
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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of the amihan season on October 27 following the strengthening of a high-pressure area over East Asia, which brought northeasterly winds and cooler temperatures to Extreme Northern Luzon.
The northeast monsoon is expected to bring cooler conditions, occasional cold surges, and rough seas in the coming months. However, PAGASA warned that the ongoing El Niño could develop into a very strong episode before the end of 2026 and may persist until the first half of 2027.
The weather bureau also explained that El Niño could temper the cooling effects of the amihan, potentially resulting in fewer cold surges and above-normal temperatures in certain areas.
Go said these changing weather conditions could expose Filipinos to various health concerns, such as influenza, common colds, allergic rhinitis, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and illnesses associated with inadequate water supply and poor sanitation.
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“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.
He called on health agencies to ensure that hospitals, rural health units, barangay health stations, and other medical facilities have enough medicines and supplies, reliable access to safe drinking water, and established contingency measures.
He also stressed the need to improve disease monitoring and provide communities with clear information on preventing heat-related illnesses and other weather-related health conditions.
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“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,” Go added.
The senator further urged the DOH, PAGASA, local health offices, and barangay officials to strengthen coordination so communities can receive timely health advisories and appropriate assistance.
He particularly underscored the importance of reaching low-income families and residents of geographically isolated communities, who may have limited access to medical services, clean water, and emergency healthcare.
Go's call comes as the DOH strengthens preparations for El Niño by assessing the readiness of health facilities, including their water and electricity supplies, medical inventories, contingency plans, and capacity to handle heat-related emergencies.
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He emphasized that preparedness efforts should also reach barangay-level healthcare facilities, which are often the first places residents turn to when seeking medical attention.
Meanwhile, Go renewed his push for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), saying the country needs a more unified and systematic approach to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
He filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to establish a specialized agency tasked with strengthening the government's capacity to address natural disasters and other emergencies.
The proposed legislation aims to improve coordination among government agencies, enhance disaster response mechanisms, and ensure that affected communities receive assistance before, during, and after calamities.
Go said the proposed department could also help address the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events, including prolonged drought, water shortages, agricultural losses, and public health emergencies linked to El Niño. GetHealth Tips
He stressed that long-term disaster resilience programs should prioritize vulnerable communities whose health, livelihoods, and access to basic services are particularly at risk from climate-related hazards.
As part of his healthcare reform initiatives, Go also highlighted his support for establishing Super Health Centers across the country to make primary healthcare, medical consultations, diagnostic services, and early disease detection more accessible. GetHealth Tips
He also principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, which established one-stop assistance centers in qualified public hospitals to help financially disadvantaged patients access government medical assistance.
Additionally, he principally sponsored Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which aims to expand access to specialized medical services through designated Department of Health hospitals nationwide. GetHealth Tips
With the country facing cooler monsoon conditions while dealing with the effects of El Niño, Go reiterated the need for sustained government action and public awareness.
“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,” he said.
Go maintained that protecting Filipinos from weather-related health threats requires early intervention, coordinated government efforts, and accessible healthcare services, particularly for those most in need. GetHealth Tips
“Buhay, kalusugan at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan ang dapat unahin. Magtulungan tayo at siguraduhing walang Pilipinong mapapabayaan habang hinaharap natin ang epekto ng El Niño,” he said.