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El Niño DRY SPELL: AGRICULTURE, UTILITIES, AND HEALTH SECTORS PREPARE

By: Raizel Arabella Misluhani

Published: July 24, 2023

Over the years, Filipinos have dealt with harsh rainstorms to the scorching flares of the sun. Now, we experience El Niño’s homecoming. While data describes the recent month’s El Niño “weak”, the American Agency Climate Prediction Center (CPC) says there is a one-in-five chance of “an event that becomes ‘historically strong,” referencing the 2015-2016 severe record. Technically, there is a 56% chance that it may become strong by the last quarter of the year, Pagasa chief administrator Ana Liza Solis stated last July 5.


On July 19, she stated that tropical cyclones are much more likely to occur than heat waves, “Because the temperature in the Pacific Ocean is high, it is favorable for tropical cyclone formation. Usually during El Niño, the track of our typhoon is very erratic.” It is expected that 40 provinces will experience dry conditions, and dry spells in 26 provinces.

A National Action Plan is underway, currently being prepared by 17 government agencies led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). During a convene last July 19, OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno announced, “We need to ensure that we are prepared for the possible impacts of El Niño by integrating the efforts of each agency for a whole-of-government approach.” He also asks the entire nation to take part in it as well.


The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) provided measures to combat the impact on Ilocos farmlands, these include adjusting the cropping calendar, direct seeding, and shifting high-value crop options that require less water. For the Rice Capital of the Philippines, Nueva Ecija, their provincial government has coordinated with the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (Upriis), which manages several dams. Last June 16, they released 30% of dam water to farmers, irrigating their 147,664.07 hectares coverage. The solar-powered irrigation that pumps at the tail-end of multiple towns are also one of their projects for farmers to help reduce vehicle expenses. Upriis along with Philippine Rice Research Institute is in partnership with Ostrom


Climate Solutions Inc. for a nature-based alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology. Their water-saving methodology intends to lessen methane emissions from farming. With this, Ostrom hopes for the development of their technology in the nation for the next four years.


According to the projections of the Department of Energy (DOE), there will be no severe brownouts caused by the weather phenomenon. During the convening, they discussed plans on ensuring adequate energy supply, efficient power distribution, and widespread awareness for conservation and saving. Major hydroelectric power plants could be slashed by 50% in July to as much as 75% come December, this is according to Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra after the bureau claimed that El Niño won’t cause major power outages.


Water supply for businesses and households is an urgent issue. To ensure security for the community, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, an operating subsidiary of Manila Water implements energizing alternative water sources, and capital expenditure programs which include standby deep wells, configuring variable frequency drive; maintenance, and the operation of line boosters, are also being implemented. Laguna Water has started stocking up critical spare parts for tanks and pumps. While Boracay Water will position a surface water level indicator at the Nabaoy River, they are also expected to repair pipes in hopes of securing 1.8MLD of non-revenue water by November. These are just two of the 12 business units of Manila Water that have curated an El Niño mitigation plan aligned to their resources.


The Department of Health (DOH) continues its promotional activities on health, preparation of health facilities, and proper lookout for related cases. DOH-Davao is focusing on water-borne diseases that may arise in case of water shortage. Diarrhea, skin infections, food poisoning from red tide fish; and diseases from high temperatures like exhaustion, heat cramps, and stroke are being made aware to the public by releasing tips and guidelines for health safety.

All government sectors have asked the public to cooperate in their mitigation plans, in the hope that there would be less damage to the country amidst the dry spells and tropical cyclones.





Sources:


El Niño preps: Why only now? | Inquirer Opinion. (2023, July 17). INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/164801/el-nino-preps-why-only-now


Cajucom, C. M. (2023, July 17). Nueva Ecija braces for El Niño. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/17/regions/nueva-ecija-braces-for-el-nio/1900995


The Star (2023, July 15). Severe El Nino effect to drive local food prices up in the Philippines. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/07/15/severe-el-nino-effect-to-drive-local-food-prices-up-in-the-philippines


Patumbon, R. G. (2023, July 17). DOH-Davao monitors diseases brought by El Niño. SUNSTAR. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1966999/davao/local-news/doh-davao-monitors-diseases-brought-by-el-nino


INQUIRER.net. (2023, July 17). Manila Water bares plans to mitigate effects of El Niño in non-East Zone | Inquirer News. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1802792/manila-water-bares-plans-to-mitigate-effects-of-el-nino-in-non-east-zone


PAGASA: Heat waves unlikely, but stronger typhoons possible due to El Niño. (2023, July 19). Cnn. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/7/19/heat-waves-unlikely-stronger-typhoons-El-Nino-.html


El Niño Team tackles mitigation efforts in coordination meeting. (2023, July 20). Philippines News Agency.



NIA readies Ilocos farmlands vs. possible effects of El Niño. (2023, July 20). Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206062











 
 
 

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