President Marcos Jr. Directs Aid for Provinces Facing El Niño Threat
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mandated governmental support for provinces anticipated to be affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
According to Philippines News Agency, the directive was issued during a sectoral meeting at Malacañan Palace, following a report by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicating the country is currently experiencing a moderate El Niño. This condition is projected to intensify until early 2024.
Edillon, citing PAGASA, indicated that areas in eastern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao are predicted to be less impacted by El Niño in December. The forecasted below-normal rainfall could significantly affect agricultural productivity and energy generation. The President’s instructions emphasized targeting ‘production support’ to these potentially less affected provinces, as outlined in a press briefing at the Palace.
When asked about the specifics of ‘production support,’ Edillon detailed the distribution of high-yield seed varieties and fertilizers, alongside the assurance of adequate irrigation systems. The allocation for such support is yet to be finalized; however, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has pledged immediate action on this front.
Edillon added that the government is poised to prevent the most severe outcomes of the El Niño effect and might extend cash assistance to the most vulnerable sectors. The Department of Agriculture – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (DA-DRRMC) previously warned that around 66 regions across the nation could face varying degrees of dry conditions, with drought expected in Camarines Norte and Southern Leyte.
A dry spell consists of three consecutive months of rainfall below normal levels, while dry conditions involve a 21 to 60 percent reduction in rainfall for two consecutive months. Drought is characterized by a significant rainfall reduction of 60 percent over three months.