Las Nieves, Agusan Norte strengthens preparedness, local action amid El Niño
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Communities are intensifying preparedness measures to minimize the effects of El Niño on water resources, agriculture, livelihoods, and public safety as prolonged dry conditions continue to pose risks to essential community needs and economic activities.
While El Niño is a national concern, its impacts vary across areas, making localized preparedness crucial in protecting communities and sustaining essential services and livelihoods.
In Agusan del Norte, the municipal government of Las Nieves is strengthening preventive measures in support of the national government’s efforts to address climate-related risks and protect vulnerable communities.
Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the national government continues to strengthen preparedness and response measures against climate-related hazards, with emphasis on protecting food production and livelihoods, conserving water resources, and building the resilience of communities vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.
Las Nieves Mayor Karen S. Rosales is urging barangay officials and residents to take an active role in preparedness, particularly in conserving water and protecting the municipality’s water sources to help sustain the needs of households, agriculture, and other essential activities.
Rosales made the call while listening to concerns and updates from barangay captains during the meeting of the Liga ng mga Barangay, where El Niño-related concerns and other community issues were discussed.
Among the measures being emphasized are the strict implementation of local El Niño regulations, including the ‘no sunog’ or no burning campaign and responsible water use. Residents are also urged to avoid activities that could trigger grass and forest fires, particularly the burning of dry vegetation during hot and dry conditions.
The LGU is likewise enforcing ordinances on stray animals to reduce the risk of road accidents, while continuing road-clearing operations to keep routes accessible to emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, during emergencies.
Other preventive measures include proper waste management at the public market and the safe handling and disposal of hazardous used oil from repair shops to help protect the environment and public health.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) has endorsed a resolution seeking the declaration of a State of Emergency in Las Nieves in response to the continuing effects of the drought to strengthen the municipality’s capacity to respond to prolonged dry conditions and prepare for the possibility of worsening conditions, including a potential “super El Niño” scenario.
The council emphasized the need to further intensify preparedness measures, particularly to protect the agriculture sector and livelihoods that may be affected by prolonged water scarcity.
The proposed State of Emergency remains at the council-resolution level and will be forwarded to the Sangguniang Bayan, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Avelina Rosales, for appropriate action and approval.
The measures being undertaken demonstrate how national disaster preparedness and climate resilience efforts can be reinforced through localized, preventive, and community-driven action, particularly in areas where the effects of prolonged dry conditions are more pronounced.
For Las Nieves, conserving and protecting water sources remains a priority as the community prepares for possible prolonged dry conditions. At the same time, measures to prevent fires, maintain emergency access, protect school zones, enforce public safety regulations, and safeguard the environment are being pursued to reduce risks before they escalate.
The LGU continues to call on residents to conserve water, protect local water sources, avoid unnecessary burning, remain vigilant, and follow official advisories and directives from the local government and concerned national government agencies.
Through these coordinated preparedness measures and stronger barangay participation, Las Nieves is reinforcing its resilience against El Niño while contributing to the national effort to protect lives, livelihoods, agriculture, water resources, and community development from climate-related impacts. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
