Philippines Seeks Advanced Water Management Solutions to Combat El Niño
QUEZON CITY — In response to the ongoing challenges posed by El Niño, the Philippine government is actively seeking to implement more advanced water management technologies in agriculture. Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa from the Department of Agriculture (DA) discussed these efforts at the Saturday News Forum, highlighting the integration of both foreign and local innovations to mitigate drought effects on crops.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DA is already employing a range of technologies to safeguard agricultural productivity during periods of El Niño, which is known for causing significant drought conditions. “There will always be room for improvement with regard to response. When it’s El Niño, it’s all about water management interventions. So, what are the other innovations, technologies?” he remarked, emphasizing the ongoing search for new solutions.
The DA is exploring the wider application of the alternate wetting and drying technology among Filipino farmers and is considering other innovations such as fertigation (the integration of fertilizer into irrigation systems) and drip irrigation technology specifically for rice cultivation. “These are just among what we are considering for the coming years. Some of these technologies are Israeli, among others. The DA is looking at all available technologies,” De Mesa added, noting the potential for both foreign and local technologies to make a significant impact.
The effects of El Niño are expected to persist until June, underscoring the urgency of adopting effective water management strategies. In a separate development, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, during a business forum in Makati City on April 4, expressed Israel’s readiness to share its water technology solutions with the Philippines. Highlighting the high priority of water management cooperation between the two nations, Fluss said, “Water is very high on the priority of the Israeli Embassy in Manila. We’d like to share those best practices.”
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s prioritization of agriculture, water, and defense in Philippines-Israel relations, the Israel Embassy facilitated a forum for nine Israeli companies to present modern water solutions to Filipino stakeholders, showcasing a commitment to bilateral cooperation in addressing water scarcity and agricultural challenges.