TARLAC CITY — “Mahalaga po sa atin na bago pa man maramdaman ang epekto nito, nakahanda na ang ating mga plano at aksyon.”
Thus, Mayor Susan Yap underscored the imperative of preparations even before the effects of El Niño are felt, citing the possible impact of the weather phenomenon on the city’s water sources, agriculture, and health sectors.
Yap disclosed that a Task Force El Niño, composed of concerned local and national government agencies, has been formed to mobilize resources, assess the city’s readiness, and discuss the plans and actions needed for each sector before the effects of the phenomenon are felt.
“Isa-isa po nating tinalakay ang kalagayan ng ating water sources, agriculture, health, at mga hakbang na kailangang ihanda ng bawat sektor,” she added.
For the agriculture sector, Yap said the task force is looking into measures for dry areas in the western part of the city, including identifying crops that require less water. “May proposal si Secretary [Francisco Tiu] Laurel na magtanim ng millet, na hindi nangangailangan ng maraming tubig o nearly no water. Kaya sabi nga, ipa-pilot natin ito dito sa Tarlac.”
This comes as Laurel inspected National Food Authority (NFA) facilities in Tarlac province, including the NFA Tarlac branch in Barangay Aguso, Tarlac City, as part of the government’s preparations for the possible effects of El Niño, particularly on food security, rice supply, and support for farmers.
Meanwhile, city officials also urged residents to conserve water, maintain sufficient water supplies for their daily needs, monitor official advisories, and work with the city government to ensure the safety and welfare of every Tarlaqueño during El Niño.
The coordinated preparations of the local and national agencies support the government’s efforts under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen food security, ensure adequate rice supplies, and protect the welfare of the people amid the possible impacts of El Niño. Ara Jamica R. Reparejo/PIA-3
