Irrigation projects for El Niño
By Nidz Godino
"Because we do not have much time... I thought about projects we will undertake…we have four months to finish all of them, to make them operational…because that is deadline I set for departments," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during inauguration of Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Lupao town directed state agencies to finish construction of irrigation facilities and similar projects in four months to ensure enough water supply as country braces for El Niño.
In speech delivered in Nueva Ecija, FMJ said rains may not be that frequent in January so everything must be done to prepare for El Niño, seen to persist until second quarter of next year.
"I told them, we have to think of what we can finish by April of next year so that when May comes, when there is dry spell and it is not raining, we have enough water supply," he added.
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said El Niño increases likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, could bring negative impacts like dry spells and droughts in some areas.
Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said about 65 provinces may be affected by severe drought by first half of 2024.
He added effects of El Niño are currently felt in some areas in the country, and this is characterized by reduction of rainfall up to 80 percent, led to dry conditions.
He has likened prevailing El Niño to 1997-1998 event worst experienced by the country left billions of pesos in damage to agriculture.
Moderate to severe drought conditions may be experienced from February to May next year, the science chief added.
Solidum said majority of global climate model suggests El Niño will likely persist until second quarter of 2024.
Marcos noted low water supply could also cause problems in health and power sectors, describing present situation as "urgent."
"Many get sick when it is hot so we have to prepare hospitals also, we have to ensure they have enough power supply and water supply, especially in big cities…we have to ensure drinking water…we have to make sure our countrymen will have water source," he said.
FMJ has created El Niño task force under his office but its structure has to be modified to boost country's preparedness measures.
As part of efforts to ensure food security, FMJ led inauguration of Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, project expected to benefit 562 farmers and their families in Lupao.
Multi-purpose dam will provide irrigation to about 840 hectares of agricultural land in Barangays San Isidro, Balbalungao, Salvacion and Mapangpang and will also serve as flood control mitigation infrastructure.
It is seen to generate diversified income opportunities through increased crop yields, fish culture, tourism and watershed management for environmental protection and facilitate hydroelectric power generation.
FMJ said project is part of continued efforts of Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration to boost rice productivity in Nueva Ecija, known as "rice bowl of the Philippines."
Aside from accelerating building of dams and flood-control projects, FMJ said government is also embarking on new information campaign to make people understand El Niño and encourage them to save water and collect rainwater.
Former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor said many local government units (LGUs) have yet to prepare for possible impact of El Niño on agricultural sector, emphasizing their importance in mitigating effects of phenomenon.
Montemayor cited his experience where local agriculturists from municipality admitted they have yet to start preparing for El Niño.
"One manifestation if we are ready is if LGUs are doing necessary preparations, like if they are coordinating with farmers. ..as of now, DA has no direct contact with farmers…through mayors and technicians under mayors and governors," Montemayor said.
He added PAGASA should provide accurate and timely information to farmers.
"DA, Department of the Interior and Local Government and other agencies should relay this information to our farmers and planting materials should be made available in case they cannot plant," Montemayor said.
He added DA should provide small water impounding systems and irrigation systems to lessen impact of the drought, which can be finished in just few weeks.
According to him, first to be affected during drought is palay as it needs big amount of water.
DA should provide farm technicians who should be able to advise farmers if they need to shift to other crops, he said.
"Corn seedlings, root crops and other planting materials should be readied so that LGUs can distribute said planting materials to farmers," he added.
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