Various government agencies are continuing to work together to integrate efforts to mitigate the possible impacts of El Nino that will persist until the first quarter next year.
In a coordination meeting held Wednesday morning, the El Nino team discussed interventions for different sectors such as food security led by the Department of Agriculture (DA), water security by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), energy security by the Department of Energy (DOE), health area by the Department of Health (DOH), and public safety led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The lead agency for each sector presented interventions, adopting the four thematic pillars of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM): (1) prevention and mitigation, (2) preparedness, (3) response, (4) rehabilitation and recovery.
Different projects, activities, and programs (PAPs) on water management, crops, fisheries, and livestock, which ensure food availability, accessibility, safety and price stability, were presented by the DA.
Meanwhile, the DENR – National Water Resources Board along with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) provided updates on their actions and mitigation measures for water security.
The DOE discussed the power situation and outlook. The department is tasked to ensure adequate energy supply, efficient management of power distribution and promotion of energy efficiency and conservation.
Providing updates for the health sector, the DOH reported its ongoing health promotion activities, preparations for health facilities, surveillance of El Nino related cases, among others.
On the other hand, the DILG, the lead agency for public safety reported efforts to reduce possible fire incidents, and peace and order monitoring and implementation in communities.
The identified interventions of each agency are included in the short, medium, and long term plans of the National Action Plan for El Nino.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the climate phenomenon is showing signs of strengthening in the coming months.
Near normal rainfall conditions is likely to be experienced in August and September 2023, while below to near normal in October 2023. Most areas will experience below normal rainfall conditions from November 2023 to January 2024, the state weather bureau added.Dry conditions are expected in 40 provinces while dry spell in 26 by the end of December this year.
Various agencies are also implementing public information campaigns to raise awareness of the impacts of El Nino and preparedness measures that must be undertaken.
“We need to ensure that we are prepared for the possible impacts of El Nino by integrating the efforts of each agency for a whole-of-government approach. But this work is not just on us in the government. The entire nation must take part in mitigating the possible impacts of this climate phenomenon.” said Civil Defense Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.
