Surigao Sur steps up preparedness as El Niño brings drier conditions
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Surigao del Sur is strengthening preparedness as dry conditions associated with El Niño are being monitored and with concerned offices working to determine its possible effects on agriculture, water resources, the environment, and other vulnerable sectors.
The Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is awaiting additional inputs while the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) conduct a more comprehensive and validated assessment of the situation across the province.
The consolidated data will serve as a basis for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to identify vulnerable areas and sectors and determine appropriate preparedness and response measures.
During the PDRRMC meeting on September 30, PAGASA Hinatuan Weather Observer Rumark Leopoldo Bompat reported that Surigao del Sur is experiencing dry conditions based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) meteorological drought monitoring for Mindanao.
“El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, which may result in dry spells and drought in some areas,” Bompat said.
“The dry conditions may affect climate-sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and communities dependent on available water resources. However, provincial authorities are still consolidating sector-specific data to determine the extent of the actual impacts in Surigao del Sur,” he added.
For Surigao del Sur, the continued consolidation of data from concerned provincial offices is expected to provide the PDRRMC with a clearer basis for planning and prioritizing interventions, particularly in areas and sectors vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.
The provincial government appealed to residents of the province to practice water conservation, monitor official weather and climate advisories, and coordinate with local authorities on concerns related to water availability, agriculture, and other effects of dry conditions.
Authorities emphasized the importance of early preparedness, regular monitoring, and timely action to help reduce potential impacts on the livelihoods and well-being of Surigaonons.
Meanwhile, as part of the province’s preparedness efforts, the PDRRMO facilitated a Drought Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop for the Carrascal Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) from September 30 to October 2.
The three-day workshop aimed to strengthen the municipality’s preparedness and response mechanisms through coordinated planning among concerned offices and stakeholders and the identification of appropriate interventions for potential drought-related risks.
The activity also sought to help the town develop a responsive Drought Contingency Plan and strengthen its capacity to protect communities from the possible effects of prolonged dry conditions.
PAGASA encouraged the communities to conserve water, maintain irrigation facilities, consider rainwater harvesting, and adopt appropriate agricultural practices, including the use of drought-tolerant crops where applicable. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
