Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has emphasized the importance of adapting sustainable solutions to lessen the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the country.

Teodoro, in a statement on Friday, March 15, said among these sustainable solutions include the construction of additional dams and water impounding systems which can "safeguard not only the environment but also the well-being of communities."

"We are doing our share to protect the environment, and to have disaster risk reduction [strategies]. We are talking already about quality of life, health, and public safety. We need more dams and water impounding systems," said Teodoro, who is also the chairperson of the national government's Task Force El Niño.

Highlighting the broad significance of environmental conservation, Teodoro also spearheaded the launching of the "Gift of a Tree" online application, which he deemed as a long-term solution against climate change, last Wednesday at Camp O'Donell in Capas, Tarlac.

The application makes it easier for the public to buy and donate seedlings as the transaction is made online. The application can be downloaded for free.

The launch of the online application was part of the agri-reforestation project between the Philippine Army's Armor Division based in Camp O'Donnel and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation (THF) called "Water is Life." 

The project aims to cultivate vacate land with vegetables and fruits which, in effect, would help ensure the country's food security.

Teodoro underscored the importance of undertaking environmental initiatives and urged active participation from all sectors of society, particularly the youth and students, to take part in the project.

He also urged local government officials and the public to appeal to national leaders to carefully study the locations for future water impounding projects in Tarlac. 

He noted the importance of considering the “sustainability and safety of downstream communities,” and the role of such projects to secure the province's future.

Further, Teodoro said that the government is continuously adapting a comprehensive approach to mitigate the impact of El Niño phenomenon. Soon, President Marcos will launch what Teodoro called an "El Niño portal."

“Ginagamit namin sa Task Force El Niño itong pagkakataon na ito through the El Nino portal, which will be launched soon by the President,” he said.  

He shared that the portal will serve as a vital tool in collecting data to navigate through the water supply shortages in the country.