The Negros Oriental Provincial Task Force on El Niño will review its composition and action plan to strengthen the province’s preparedness for a projected strong El Niño phenomenon later this year.
Adrian Sedillo, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that the task force’s action plan had been implemented since the 2024 El Niño episode under an executive order issued by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria.
“Gov. Sagarbarria had issued an executive order in 2024 which outlined mitigating measures to combat the El Niño and to address problems and other concerns by sectors that stood to be affected,” Sedillo said.
However, he said some previous measures may need revision in response to updated forecasts indicating that Negros Oriental could be among the areas hardest hit by the upcoming dry spell.
The proposed revisions will be based on recommendations from government agencies involved in preparing contingency measures, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, National Irrigation Administration, Department of Health, and local government units, among others.
Sedillo said the task force may also invite representatives from the energy sector, including electric cooperatives, to help address potential power-supply concerns during the prolonged dry spell.
He noted that some agencies have begun prepositioning buffer stocks, including seeds and fertilizers, for distribution to farmers, while the PDRRMO has portable water pumps on standby to support areas that may experience water shortages.
Initial projections from the state weather bureau indicated that Negros Oriental could feel the effects of El Niño by December. However, more recent reports suggest the province could be among those severely affected by the phenomenon.
Sedillo said the rains across the province in recent weeks have allowed farmers to plant crops and potentially harvest them before dry conditions intensify early next year.
He said the task force will meet in November to assess preparedness measures and ensure communities can withstand the anticipated impacts of El Niño, particularly on water supply, food security, public health and safety. (PNA)
