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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cong Villar not ignoring El Niño threat, calls for inquiry on gov't action

Cong Villar not ignoring El Niño threat, calls for inquiry on gov't action

Published Jun 7, 2023 08:06 am
Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar (Rep. Villar's office)



Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar wants the House of Representatives to look into possible government action against El Niño, which according to experts has a 90 percent chance of beginning this year. For this purpose, the ranking solon filed House Resolution (HR) No.1024. According to Villar, the resulting severe weather conditions from El Niño could impact the agriculture sector, affect essential and non-essential industries, and stoke inflation. “Apart from agriculture, water resources, power generation, health and sanitation and other sectors are likely to be impacted by El Niño, and concerned state agencies must prepare to mitigate the impacts of severe weather conditions,” said Villar, spokesperson of the Nacionalista Party (NP). The resolution specifically tasks the Committee on Agriculture and Food and Committee on Energy to conduct hearings on the matter with the end view of "mitigating [El Niño's] effects, delivering stable and reliable electricity, and providing the necessary assistance to affected farmers". The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there is a high possibility of El Nino to develop in the coming months, which may persist up to the first quarter of 2024. There is also a significant chance of ocean surface warming later this year, the state weather bureau said. Experts noted that El Niño’s impact typically causes hot and dry weather and below-normal rainfall conditions, which could have negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country. It could also bring heavier-than-normal rain conditions in other areas. Taking note of the country’s previous experience from the El Nino phenomenon that resulted in a decline in agricultural output, Villar said the farming and fishing subsectors, as well as workers’ livelihood and food security, could take a hit from dry weather. Also, the lingering effects of El Nino added to inflation woes and this time may drive up the already elevated cost of basic goods and services, Villar added. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Nino could cause “far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management, and the environment".

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