Task Force El Niño goes to work
LINGAYEN–The province’s multi-sectoral Task Force on El Niño has started on its work to mitigate the impact of the phenomenon on agriculture, environment, economy and health.
Having completed the composition of the group, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. said an immediate plan of action must be implemented, particularly those relating to the irrigation needs of farmers.
Dalisay Moya, task force chair and officer-in-charge Provincial Agriculture Officer, said at the top of their agenda is to identify, monitor and evaluate all areas within the irrigated lands that suffer the most during long dry spells.
“We will also identify and assess all areas that were delayed in planting especially those areas that may have to plant in October in the case of corn and rain-fed rice, and in November, in the case of irrigated rice,” Moya said.
The group will also look into livestock such as hogs and poultry and inland fishery areas that are most likely affected by El Niño.
Briefings and a massive information dissemination campaign will be undertaken to get the communities to directly adapt measures that will cushion the effects of the dry spell.
“We need to educate our farmers, the fisher-folks and other agricultural stakeholders by providing them information about practical tips regarding this phenomenon. They must be ready for any eventuality to sustain productivity,” Moya said.
The press release issued by the provincial office, however, did not list the mitigating activities that will be pursued by the task force. It did not indicate whether water pumps will be distributed in identified crisis areas.
The task force is co-chaired by Paterno Orduna and members include heads of PPDO, Office of the Provincial Veterinary, Provincial Irrigation Engineering, National Irrigation Administration, PENRO-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Food Authority (NFA) Western Pangasinan, NFA Eastern Pangasinan, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Health Office, Federation of Irrigator’s Association; and PAFC.
Government data show there are 246 affected barangays in the province covering an area of 105.5 hectares. Out of this, affected area, a total of 83.5 hectares was already harvested but registering low productivity.
El Niño is a periodic ocean-warming and atmospheric disturbance characterized by deficient rainfall and prolonged drought in some areas.—PIO
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