Cagayan Valley Reports Successful Cloud Seeding Amid El Niño ChallengesDavao’s Central 911 Achieves Hall of Fame Status for Disaster Response

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan Valley — The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday the successful completion of cloud seeding operations in the Cagayan Valley Region, aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the first round of cloud seeding brought light to moderate rainfall over selected areas, offering much-needed relief to agricultural lands parched by the dry spell.

Regional Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino highlighted the significance of the operation, stating that the precipitation would help alleviate the initial impacts of El Niño on crops by providing essential moisture and a cooling effect. The cloud seeding involved dispersing 33 sacks of sodium chloride over cloud formations at an altitude of 4,500 feet, targeting specific agricultural zones to enhance the chances of rainfall.

Preparations for the operation began on February 19, with DA’s Regional Engineering Division, led by Daisy Saldo, emphasizing the meticulous planning required to ensure the success of such weather modification efforts. The operation’s timing and execution depended heavily on precise cloud identification and the prevailing wind directions to maximize the benefits to cornlands and other vulnerable areas.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) also played a crucial role in the cloud seeding operations. On February 25, the PAF’s 900th Air Force Weather Group, in collaboration with DA Region 2 and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, commenced the dispersal of over 800 kilograms of sodium chloride across southern Cagayan and northern Isabela. This intervention aims to supplement crop water needs during periods of decreased rainfall.

In response to the broader challenges posed by El Niño, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has initiated several measures to support affected farmers and fisherfolk, including the mobilization of a response team in Mindoro and the distribution of essential agricultural inputs across various regions. The measures encompass the distribution of rice stocks through the National Food Authority, interest-free loans for eligible farmers, and the deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems to ensure sustainable water supply.

The DA’s efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to address the impacts of El Niño, reinforced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 53, which mandates a coordinated disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan to provide systematic and effective support to Filipino farmers and mitigate the effects of such climatic events.

DAVAO CITY — The Central 911 of Davao City has been honored with induction into the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) Hall of Fame, recognizing its outstanding contributions to emergency management and disaster response.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), this accolade was presented during the 22nd Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling GAling ang Kaligtasan) ceremony, underscoring the significant impact of the team’s dedicated service.

The Gawad KALASAG award, known as the highest form of recognition for local government units in disaster risk reduction and management as well as humanitarian assistance, highlights the exemplary efforts of entities that have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in these areas. Baloran emphasized that Davao City’s repeated wins in the past have now culminated in it becoming the first local government unit in the Philippines to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, marking a prestigious milestone for the city’s emergency response team.

This recognition not only honors the hard work and commitment of the Central 911 responders, who are operational around the clock to ensure efficient emergency services, but also serves as a significant morale booster for the team. Additionally, the Human Resource and Management Office alongside the Davao City Hall Employees Association have acknowledged the CDRRMO’s Central 911 Urban Search and Rescue Team for their valorous efforts in the landslide recovery operations in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro, further highlighting the team’s dedication to public service and their unwavering commitment to saving lives and ensuring safety during disasters.