The Task Force El Nino which was re-activated and reconstituted under Executive Order No. 53, formally convened yesterday (Jan. 23, 2024) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The meeting was presided by Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr, in his capacity as chairperson of the Task Force El Nino (TFEN).
Under E.O. 53, which took effect on January 19, 2024, the co-chairperson of the TFEN is Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
Other members of the TFEN are: Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, and NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.
During the meeting, different national government agencies, both principals and support, presented updates on short-, medium-, and long-term interventions that have been completed and those in the process of completion.
All the interventions presented were being implemented by various national government agencies concerned long before the formal reactivation of the Task Force.
Under Section 4 of E.O. 53, the El Nino Online Platform shall be set up in order to provide the public with relevant and timely information to help them plan and respond accordingly, with the onset of El Nino.
A dedicated spokesperson shall also be designated to address relevant queries and to disseminate accurate information to the public.
Working groups under TFEN shall continue to coordinate daily.
If necessary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and all relevant stakeholders shall be informed of current and projected situations, and of the need for appropriate actions and interventions to mitigate and manage effectively the effects of El Nino.
