By Christian Andrei Bautista
Local government units (LGUs) are preparing interventions for El Niño’s possible repercussions, particularly on the country’s agricultural sector, according to the national chairperson of theLeague of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).
Quirino Governor Dakila Cua said Wednesday, July 5, that LGUs are working with the Department of Agriculture (DA) on measures to mitigate effects of extreme weather conditions, including droughts and flooding.
“Ang pinaka, most affected by El Niño are the agricultural provinces. Alam po natin na sa rice production napakahalaga ng tubig. Hindi lang sa rice production, actually all agricultural practices kailangan ng tubig, but most affected ang ating rice farmers,” he said.
“Our LGUs are doing their part, coordinating with the Department of Agriculture. Ang daming ayuda program ng DA na ipinapatupad as we speak today, from inputs, fertilizers, seeds, and other interventions, even mechanization efforts are there,” he added.
Cua also noted the need for an education campaign to raise awareness on the effects of the phenomenon, particularly the water deficit.
“As we do this education campaign lumalabas ang iba’t ibang isyu. Nakakausap natin yung grass roots, nakakausap natin yung mga barangay, ang mga magsasaka, at diyan lumalabas ang kanilang kakulangan sa facilities and infrastructure in terms of water management,” he said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) declared on July 4 the onset of El Niño, which could also lead to extreme rainfalls in the latter part of the year.
Meanwhile, Cua said provinces remain in constant coordination with the National Risk Disaster and Management Council, and that provinces have standby calamity and quick response funds. –ag
