PROVINCES and local governments are exerting extensive efforts to alleviate the potential effects of El Niño in their respective areas.
According to the report from the Philippine weather agency, PAG-ASA, around 17 locations in the country are expected to be most affected by El Niño.
As part of their preparations for the El Niño phenomenon, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines or ULAP National President and Quirino Governor Dax Cua highlighted their focus on addressing the deficiency in water management.
“I was with Sec. Abalos of DILG and Secretary Loyzaga of DENR, and we discussed water. In our discussions, our preparations include addressing water management,” according to Gov. Dax Cua, National President, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP).
Cua emphasized that El Niño, as one of the water-related concerns, affects agriculture, food production, water consumption in industries, daily household use, and people’s lives.
He stressed the importance of properly managing water sources, likening it to Dubai, a desert area, where water is efficiently managed to supply the population.
“So, it’s about having awareness of how to integrate these management systems for agriculture, industrial use, domestic use, and other purposes. It involves recycling some of the water for various uses and returning the water back to its ecosystem after we use and clean it,” Cua added.
Cua pointed out that as a country abundant in water resources, the Philippines should improve water management.
“Well our country is abundant in water— we have many rivers, but we lack in management. That’s where the discussions with DILG, DENR, along with ULAP, and our LGUs, and leagues like ours will delve deeper,” he added.
Regarding food production, the ULAP President emphasized the importance of irrigation.
Currently, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is rolling out programs to develop the associations of irrigators in the country.
“They will also be responsible for trading, providing assistance, training, and financial management for our farmers. So, they will be empowered to strengthen the capabilities of our rice producers,” he stated.
Areas of improvement in water management also include the NIA’s Sabo Dams project.
“The value for money is high. The expenses yield a greater return. So, you divert the water towards production areas, promoting the construction of Sabo Dams,” Cua said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Cua expressed his full support for the proposal to establish a department specifically focused on water, particularly on water management.
