A State of Calamity Declared in 131 Cities and Municipalities Due to El Niño
A total of 131 cities and municipalities have been placed under a state of calamity because of the severe effects of the El Niño phenomenon. The damage on agriculture has reached a staggering amount of P4.39 billion, according to the government’s task force on El Niño. This declaration allows local governments to utilize their funds to mitigate the impact of El Niño on their respective areas.
Among the severely affected provinces are Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and South Cotabato. These areas rely heavily on agriculture, and their farmers have been greatly affected by the drought. The livelihoods of the local population are at stake, and this was the basis for declaring a state of calamity.
Government Response and Assistance
The government is taking proactive measures to address the challenges posed by El Niño. Task Force El Niño spokesman and Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama mentioned that cloud seeding operations are being considered to induce artificial rain in the regions most affected by the weather phenomenon. This initiative aims to alleviate the drought conditions and provide relief to the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the government is committed to providing assistance to the affected families. Cash transfers will be made available to help them cope with the financial burden brought about by the loss of their livelihoods. Villarama assured the public that the government is ready to extend its support during these difficult times.
Efforts by the Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has been actively working to mitigate the impact of El Niño on the agricultural sector. In Western Visayas, the DA provided hybrid rice seeds worth P7.87 million and fertilizers worth P7.63 million to non-vulnerable areas. In the Ilocos region, rice and corn seeds worth P3.51 million were distributed to maximize production and compensate for the losses incurred. Additionally, the DA distributed drugs, biologics, and high-density polyethylene hoses worth P840,000 million in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The DA’s Philippine Native Animal Development Program has also played a crucial role in supporting farmers affected by El Niño. They provided 60,013 native animals to 334 groups and 534 individual farmers nationwide. These initiatives aim to help farmers recover and sustain their livelihoods despite the challenges posed by the prolonged drought.
Looking Ahead: Conservation and Water Supply
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that the El Niño phenomenon could last longer than expected and may affect a total of 56 provinces by April. Most of the affected areas are agricultural provinces in Northern and Central Luzon, such as Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, and Nueva Ecija.
In light of these challenges, Villarama urged the public to conserve water to ensure a secure supply in the coming weeks. As temperatures rise, the consumption of water and electricity increases. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is working to guarantee an adequate water supply, particularly in Metro Manila. However, conserving water is the ultimate solution, as water cannot be created out of thin air. The DENR will soon impose a prescribed water conservation action to address this pressing issue.
Villarama emphasized that conserving water is the most effective way to prevent water shortage in the coming weeks. It is crucial for everyone to play their part in ensuring the sustainable use of water resources during this challenging period.
In conclusion, the declaration of a state of calamity in 131 cities and municipalities due to El Niño highlights the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action. The government, through various agencies and programs, is working tirelessly to provide assistance and mitigate the impact on affected communities. It is crucial for individuals to conserve water and support these efforts to guarantee a secure water supply in the midst of this prolonged drought. Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by El Niño and build a more resilient future.
Source: The Manila Times
