Local government units (LGUs) need to prepare intervention measures after the Philippine, Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported the probability heavy rainfall and more typhoons in the latter part of the year.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, July 4, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) national president and Quirino Gov. Dakila Cua described the report as like climate change and not merely an El Nino Phenomenon issue.
With the possible heavy rains and high volume of rainfall, Cua stressed that the LGUs and concerned government agencies should prioritize relevant preparatory measures as excessive rainfall and frequent typhoon occurrences might disrupt the country’s ‘education calendar’ since classes will be suspended during inclement weather conditions.
He also emphasized that authorities must inspect the evacuation facilities in the event the strong rains and typhoons will necessitate the need to evacuate the affected residents of the localities.
In one of the LGUs in Quirino, Cua noted that rescue teams are being trained this early to prepare for any unfavorable eventuality.
Regarding El Nino, Cua emphasized that the agricultural provinces are mostly affected by this weather disturbance, citing that all ‘agricultural products’ not only rice production are bound to suffer with the lack of water sources.
However, Cua pointed out that the LGUs had consistently coordinated with the Department of Agriculture (DA) with President Ferdinand ‘Bong’ Marcos Jr. at the helm of leading the distribution of appropriate assistance like ‘inputs, fertilizers, seeds and other interventions even in mechanization.’
Cua pointed out that the LGUs had consistently provided their constituents with the ‘usual intervention information and education’ to raise public awareness on what might transpire during El Nino and reiterate to them the need to conserve the ‘limited water resources.’
In the education campaign, Cua lamented that numerous issues crop up as local officials go down to the ‘grassroots’ and confer with the barangays and farmers where the lack of facilities and infrastructures ‘in terms of water management’ become evident.
Cua cited the need to install appropriate ‘water systems’ for domestic use and ‘instead of getting from groundwater’ other surface water sources may be tapped to augment like making river or canal water ‘potable.’
He also mentioned that ‘some irrigation facilities’ must be rehabilitated to provide more efficient water flow in the rice fields and farm lands.
Cua commended National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen for the plan boost the organization of the farmers groups and irrigation association to make the sector ‘well-financed and well-organized and professionally run by themselves.’’
“Hindi kami magpapatakbo nyan, sila magpapatakbo (We will not run them, they will supervise them),” Cua noted.