Albay gears up for effects of El Niño

The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) has started its preparations for the possible adverse effects of the El Nino phenomenon in the province.

The province laid down their measures following the forecast of PAGASA that El Nino will likely develop in the July-August-September season and may persist until 2024.

Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) Head Dr. Cedric D. Daep advised all local government units to align their disaster preparedness and agricultural food production programs.

He also warned of a possible shortage of potable water and water for domestic and agricultural use.

“With this development and analysis of PAGASA, LGUs should look out for the impact of El Nino, especially on the economic side, as this would affect the livelihood of farmers and the provinces’ food production.”

Dr. Daep likewise emphasized to concerned offices the need to facilitate the initiation of appropriate response action and measures to cushion the effects of El Nino on agriculture, health, infrastructure, domestic water supplies, and other sectors and to complement the response activities of the three cities and 15 municipalities in Albay.

“We still have time to prepare, and this is the perfect time for us to take appropriate measures to mitigate the effect of this phenomenon, especially on farmers and fishermen. Please inform us if you have a plan within your office, departments, or communities. We can help through training and secure funding support, especially identifying severely affected areas through mitigation aspects to prepare and reduce the impact.”