PGMA directs agencies to prepare for El Niño

by PS Mabaquiao

Manila (25 November) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered concerned national agencies to fasttract the completion of projects as the government intensifies preparations to cushion the impact of El Niño next year.

The President ordered the Department of Agriculture to rush completion of farmland irrigation projects in anticipation of the looming effect of El Niño during the Joint National Economic Development Authority and National Anti-Poverty Commission meeting held in Malacañang.

NEDA Deputy Director General Margarita Songco, had earlier reported that, based on scientific studies, a long dry spell would most likely hit the country early next year. She said that data gathered in the past several months showed that the weather phenomenon, characterized by extreme temperature rise with little rainfall, has begun affecting various areas of the country.

She also said that the Visayas and Mindanao regions have been experiencing below-normal rainfall conditions despite the three typhoons hitting Luzon in the past month.

In Antique, the National Irrigation Administration under Engr. Jose Oredina is doubling its efforts in preparing not just irrigation facilities but also farmers to participate in mitigating the effects of long dry spell.

Julito Pamiroyan, Senior Irrigation Development Officer said that they have already outlined activities in anticipation of the dry phenomenon. Among which are the regular maintenance of irrigation facilities especially canals to maintain continuous flow of irrigation water to farmlands and water scheduling for the 3rd cropping season.

“Rice planting for the 3rd cropping is also discouraged especially in downstream areas to avoid damage in crops. Instead farmers are advised to plant other crops like monggo, peanuts and other nitrogen fixing plants not only for food production but also as means to bring back the fertility of the soil”, said Pamiroyan.

Rehabilitation of some irrigation facilities damage by typhoon frank last year was already completed and facilities are being used by the farmers, however, Pamiroyan said, there are areas which were severely damaged by typhoon whose funds were not yet released like in the case of Bugo and Banayan irrigation dams which serve wide farmlands in San Remigio.

Pamiroyan appealed to farmers to be cooperative and follow the water distribution schedule (on rotational scheme) especially those in the upstream to allow the irrigation water to flow downstream so that farmers in outlying areas can avail of it. They are also urged to participate in the maintenance of irrigation canals and repair if necessary. (PIA)