APD | Philippines pro-active approach to EL NIÑO needed with 70,000 plus hectares affected

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA ,March.30(APD)– Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said all concerned agencies should have a holistic and proactive approach to cushion the impacts of the prevailing El Niño, a short-term weather aberration in ocean currents and weather systems.

Speaking at a media briefing, Secretary Pernia Friday afternoon, said the National Economic and Development Authority and other agencies will have to focus on five critical areas mentioned in the Roadmap for Addressing the Impacts of El Niño or RAIN.  He identified the areas as food security, water security, energy security, health and safety.

“We cannot stop El Niño, but we can make swift and effective moves to soften its impact on the lives of our countrymen and the economy,” Secretary Pernia said.

Although weather specialists describe the current El Niño phenomenon as weaker than previous ones, it will also have its impact on food security.  However, Secretary Pernia said the Rice Tariffication Law which will encourage rice imports would address reduced food production and increase in rice prices.

The Department of Agriculture reported that until March 18,2019, damage to agricultural sector reached P1.33 billion affected 70,353 hectares and 84,932 farmers across the country.

Incidentally, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) approved the full reactivation of the El Nino Task Force in August 2018, and now waits for a Memorandum Order from President Rodrigo Duterte’s office.

He added NEDA is ready to take a lead role in mitigating the effects of El Niño and will review and improve the RAIN set-up to better suit the country’s current conditions.

NEDA proposed to transform the existing National Water Resource Board into a National Water Management Council to strengthen the board and provide it with additional manpower and financial resources.

“There is a need for an apex body that will oversee the overall planning, programming, and policy formulation based on sound date.  We should also cite the faps in water services that remain despite the abundance of resource and programs and projects for the sector,” Secretary Pernia said.

He further explained the need for a long-term solution with the creation of the Department of Water Resources to ensure sufficient allocation of water resources across sectors. 

Meanwhile Asst. Secretary for Regional Development Mercedita A. Sombilla said her office expects validated information from the Department of Agriculture who sent personnel to El Niño affected areas recently.  

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)