Ilocos Region, Philippines - The provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Sur are expected to face a dry spell in December, while Ilocos Norte will experience dry conditions, all due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rusy Abastillas, a senior weather specialist at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), explained in a virtual forum that areas under dry conditions see below normal rainfall for two consecutive months, while those under a dry spell experience similar conditions for three consecutive months. The El Niño phenomenon is known to increase the likelihood of below normal rainfall, potentially leading to dry spells and droughts. PAGASA forecasts that the Ilocos Region may face drought from the end of January to March 2024. In response, the National El Niño Team has prepared an El Niño National Action Plan (NAP), coordinated by various government agencies to mitigate the impacts of the climate pattern. NAP's strategies cover water, food and energy security, health, and public safety. Measures being implemented include monitoring of water sources, operationalization of water treatment plants, cloud seeding operations, and construction of rainwater harvesting facilities. For food security, the plan includes improving irrigation, distributing drought-tolerant crop varieties, and applying soil ameliorants. Health and public safety measures involve inventory and development of water sources for health facilities and emergency preparedness. Long-term strategies include the development of major water supply sources like the Wawa and Kaliwa dams. The Department of Agriculture in the Ilocos Region recommends adjusting planting calendars and promoting drought-tolerant crops, among other measures. The NAP is reviewed and adjusted as necessary, with an online platform being developed for El Niño updates.