OFFICER in charge Esperanza Cayanan of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) earlier announced that the El Niño is showing signs of strengthening in the coming months. The climate outlook further suggests that the aggregate impacts of El Niño are expected toward the last quarter of the year and first half of 2024 to bring dry spells in most areas of the country. (Arlie O. Calalo, The Manila Times, Aug. 7, 2023)