Task Force El Nino ramps up effort vs El Nino, meets anew to tackle collective action

By Jinky Jorgio

Members of the Task Force El Nino on Monday tackled updates on the interventions for key sectors and further actions that need to be implemented to ramp up the efforts against the impacts of the phenomenon and ensure the readiness of the country, especially the provinces that are currently being affected by El Nino.

Based on the latest assessment of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), a total of 41 provinces are currently being affected by El Nino.

Provinces under dry condition are Batangas, Laguna, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, Antique, Biliran, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Samar Lanao del Norte, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi. 

Provinces under a dry spell are Abra, Aurora, Bataan, Isabela, Metropolitan Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Quirino, Rizal, Zambales, and Negros Occidental while under drought condition are Apayao, Benguet, Cagayan, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, and Pangasinan.

PAGASA also noted the reduction in the number of provinces affected by El Nino. From a total of 50 affected areas based on January 21, 2024 assessment to now 41 affected provinces.

However, despite the reduction, the task force reiterated that there is still a need to reinforce preparedness due to strong and mature El Niño that is expected to continue through February 2024 and will likely persist until March-April-May 2024 season.

Meanwhile, lead agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) presented situation updates and interventions on the water sector, public safety, energy sector, health sector, and food security respectively.

DENR on water security reported that the dam supply is still sufficient until May. Despite this projection, the public is still highly advised to conserve water. The department continues to monitor the water supply sources and has been working on the establishment of alternative water sources to prevent shortage.

DILG, on the other hand, is continuously implementing programs and activities on environmental protection at the community level, law and order, and fire safety.

On energy security, the DOE said that interventions to ensure adequate energy supply are continuously being undertaken. These include implementation of transmission projects, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the power grid, and enjoining the electric power industry to actively take part in El Nino mitigation efforts, among others.

Meanwhile, the DOH reported that there is no disease outbreak caused by El Nino. The department also said that it is continuously ensuring the readiness of health facilities.

On food security, the DA presented its priority interventions which include water management, social protection for farmers and fisherfolk, including livelihood support and financial assistance, and price monitoring.

Task Force Chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during the meeting stressed the importance of the collective effort of various government agencies in addressing the impacts of El Nino.

Teodoro called on the members of the task force to work closely and ensure coordinated efforts not just for El Nino but also for other emergency and disaster concerns.

As for the El Nino Platform, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will work closely to ensure effective use of the platform.

Teodoro added that there is a need to strengthen public information to engage people in preparedness measures.

The Task Force El Niño was reactivated and reconstituted under Executive Order No. 53 which took effect on January 19, 2024.