The provincial government is currently implementing El Niño mitigation plans despite the recent downgrading of the drought forecast to dry spell condition this April-May 2024.
This was reported by the Provincial Agricultural Services Office (PASO) during the Feb. 7 meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) at the Governor’s Office – Conference Room to discuss efforts to curb the impact of weather phenomenon to the island.
During the meeting held after a reorganization of its members due to changes in leadership in some agencies, PDRRM Chairperson Gov. Joseph Cua discussed the ongoing preparations for the sustained impact of El Niño.
Chief meteorological officer Juan Pantino Jr. of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that while a strong El Niño is still forecast for the first quarter of the year, sea surface temperatures have slightly dropped in the entire equatorial Pacific Ocean.
The revised PAGASA forecast downgraded the former drought forecast this April-March 2024 to just dry spell condition, with sea surface temperatures to slowly normalize by June.
Provincial Agriculturist Ace William Tria said that his office is continuing to pursue mitigation measures, especially in the Rice and Corn Development Program through the introduction of drought-resistant varieties, planting of upland rice varieties, and the procurement of pigmented rice varieties (black and red rice).
It is also providing local rice farmers much-needed technical assistance through the Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service, Nutrient Management, and Integrated Pest Management as the extreme weather condition is favorable for pests and diseases to thrive.
Among the trainings and capacity-building activities PASO is conducting include the Farmers Field School cum techno demo for rice and vegetable production including the Climate Smart Farm School Business and trainings on good agricultural practices and climate-smart technologies on agriculture.
It is likewise encouraging farmers to practice Integrated Diversified Farming Systems and has established Sustainable Abaca Land Technology (SALT).
Moreover, it has proposed the establishment of techno-demo farms and sites for the production of corn, onion, garlic, mushroom, potato, herbs and spices, cassava and giant bamboo.
Also being pushed for funding are the installation of solar powered irrigation systems, introduction of climate-resilient infrastructure for rural communities such as climate-resilient seed banks, and the conduct of stakeholders consultation on mitigating adverse impacts of climate change.
Meanwhile, Roselle Navar of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office assured the governor that the DSWD warehouse still has an available 1,000 emergency food packs that can be distributed if needed.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) presented the different programs, projects and activities to be funded this year under the Local DRRM fund but details on the programs and projects have yet to be released.