Preparing for higher bills, pricier food and unexpected health costs
By the H&L Editorial Team
El Niño doesn’t only threaten health. It also squeezes household budgets. Electric bills climb as fans and air conditioners run longer. Food prices can rise when harvests fail. Water may become more expensive or less reliable. And heat-related illness can bring medical costs no one planned for.
Here’s how to prepare.
1. Expect higher electric bills — and plan for them
Cooling is not a luxury in extreme heat, especially for older family members and those with heart disease. But it can be managed:
• Set the air conditioner at 25°C and use a fan to circulate the cool air.
• Cool only the room you’re using, and close doors to keep the cool air in.
• Clean aircon filters regularly; dirty filters waste electricity.
• Unplug appliances on standby.
• If replacing an appliance, consider inverter models, which use less electricity over time.
• Set aside a little extra each month for the higher bills you can expect through early 2027.
2. Brace for food price increases
The Department of Agriculture has reported billions of pesos in crop damage. Prices of some vegetables, corn and other products may rise.
• Plan meals for the week and shop with a list.
• Buy local, seasonal produce, which tends to be cheaper.
• Stretch meals with legumes like monggo and with eggs.
• Avoid panic buying and hoarding, which push prices up for everyone.
• Grow a few easy vegetables at home if you have space.
3. Save water — save money
Fix leaks, use a pail instead of a hose, and reuse rinse water where safe. Lower water use means lower bills, and less strain on a supply that water regulators are already rationing.
4. Keep a health emergency fund
Heat stroke, dehydration, kidney problems and worsened heart disease can all lead to hospital visits. Make sure your PhilHealth membership is active and up to date, know which nearby hospitals are accredited, and set aside even a small amount each payday for unexpected medical costs.
5. If you farm or fish, ask about insurance and assistance
Farmers and fisherfolk should check whether they are covered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and ask their municipal agriculture office about Department of Agriculture assistance programs for El Niño-affected areas. Towns that have declared a state of calamity may have additional support available.
6. Protect your income
Outdoor workers face a hard choice between working in dangerous heat and losing income. Talk to employers about adjusted work hours. Know that workers who suffer heat-related injuries on the job may claim compensation through the Employees’ Compensation Commission. And remember: a day’s lost wage costs far less than a hospital stay.
The El Niño budget check: Look at your last three months of electric, water and grocery bills. Add 10 to 20 percent to each as a cushion for the coming months, and see where you can trim elsewhere to make room.
This article is for general information only and is not financial advice.
“Cooling an elderly parent’s room is not a luxury in extreme heat. Budget for it the way you’d budget for medicine — because in a season like this, that’s what it is.”
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