By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government is intensifying preparations against the threat of a potentially severe El Niño phenomenon that could persist until next year.
During the inauguration of the Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bohol, Marcos said government estimates indicate a high probability of prolonged dry conditions affecting parts of the country.
“Ayon sa ating datos, malaki ang posibilidad na makakaranas ang bansa ng matinding El Niño na maaaring tumagal hanggang sa susunod pa na taon, 2027 (According to our data, there is a high possibility that the country will experience severe El Niño that may last until next year, 2027),” he said.
The President said the administration has been investing in small reservoir irrigation projects (SRIPs) and other water-management initiatives to reduce farmers’ vulnerability to drought.
“Kaya’t sa ilalim ng Administrasyon, ating itinaguyod ang mga SRIP upang mapataas ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka at maging mas matatag naman ang laban sa sakuna (That is why under this administration, we have promoted SRIPs to increase farmers’ income and strengthen resilience against disasters),” Marcos said.
Farmers in drought-prone areas, he said, are being encouraged to temporarily shift to crops that require less water, including watermelon, ginger, purple yam, peanuts and eggplant.
“Bilang tugon sa banta ng El Niño, pinayuhan na natin ang ilang magsasaka na magtanim ng high-value commercial crop gaya ng pakwan, ng luya, ube, mani, at talong (In response to the El Niño threat, we have advised some farmers to plant high-value commercial crops such as watermelon, ginger, purple yam, peanut and eggplant),” he said.
The government is also promoting climate-adaptive farming technologies, including solar-powered pumps and water reuse or recycling systems in areas frequently affected by drought.
Marcos said information campaigns are likewise being conducted to encourage proper maintenance and protection of irrigation facilities.
The PHP833.37-million Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project is expected to provide reliable year-round water supply to 530 hectares of agricultural land in Bohol.
A project of the National Irrigation Administration, the facility will directly benefit 717 farmers in the municipalities of Mabini and Alicia. (PNA)
