The government is preparing measures to deal with the expected impact of a moderate to very strong El Niño, with agriculture, water supply, power and public health among the areas likely to be affected.
The Department of Agriculture is seeking P10 billion for measures to help farms cope with the weather phenomenon, on top of the P6.2 billion already released for fuel and fertilizer subsidies for affected farmers and fisherfolk.
Another P3.5 billion is being earmarked for solar irrigation facilities.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the department’s interventions will focus on affected areas and use scientific methods.
PAGASA weather specialist Chris Perez said El Niño usually results in fewer weather systems that bring rain, increasing the possibility of water shortages and other problems.
“Kapag may El Niño ay karaniwang nagiging madalang ang ating weather systems na nagdudulot ng pag-ulan at kadalasan ay nakakaranas ng kakulangan sa suplay ng tubig, mapa-irrigation, power generation, just to name a few,” Perez said.
He urged the public to conserve water and called on the water and energy sectors to prepare for possible supply and demand problems.
“Siyempre kapag nandiyan na ang El Niño, dapat ‘yung pagtitipid natin sa tubig, i-maximize po natin ang paggamit ng tubig dahil alam natin na magiging madalang ang mga pag-ulan sa ating bansa sa panahon ng El Niño,” he said.
Perez said PAGASA would continue monitoring the weather phenomenon and its possible effects on different parts of the country.
“Dapat continuous ang monitoring natin para maabisuhan natin ang mga kababayan natin at iba’t ibang sektor at makapaghanda at makapagplano,” he added.IMT
