ILOILO City – The dry conditions experienced last month are likely to persist into February across Iloilo City and Province, as well as the rest of Western Visayas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Iloilo predicts lower chances of rainfall for this month.
“When we mention dry spell conditions, we’re referring to a noticeable thinning or decrease in rainfall. Additionally, there’s a possibility of experiencing three consecutive months without significant rainfall,” said weather forecaster Jeff Maquiling.
PAGASA defines the following terms:
* Drought – three consecutive months of significantly below-normal rainfall conditions (more than a 60 percent reduction from average)
* Dry spell – three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall conditions (21 to 60 percent reduction from average)
* Dry condition – two consecutive months of below-normal rainfall conditions (21 to 60 percent reduction from average).
Farmers are advised against planting rice this month due to insufficient rainfall, which is inadequate to support the crops. Instead, they should focus on water collection in case the dry spell extends into March and April.
“We strongly advise, especially our farmers, to conserve water as rainfall is expected to be minimal. We are monitoring potential losses in the agricultural sector,” said Maquiling.
Regarding the cold weather also experienced last month, PAGASA Iloilo previously stated that it could continue until the end of February. The northeast monsoon, or hangin amihan, is affecting Luzon and Visayas, resulting in colder temperatures in Iloilo and throughout Region 6, as well as in areas of Luzon, including Benguet and Baguio.
Maquiling noted that these colder temperatures are typically felt from evening until early morning.
P100-M AGRI DAMAGE IN ILOILO
Data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6 submitted to PAGASA Iloilo showed agricultural damage in Iloilo Province due to the El Niño phenomenon to have exceeded P100 million. This figure has been accumulating since November 2023.
Maquiling reported that other provinces have also recorded losses.
The damage in Iloilo, exceeding P100 million, has been reported in the municipalities of Tigbauan, Oton, Tubungan, and Anilao.
Further damages are anticipated in the upcoming weeks and months.
“There is a possibility of experiencing a drought season by March and April. By May, we expect a weakening of the El Niño as the southwest monsoon season approaches,” Maquiling elaborated.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 has assured its preparedness to mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño.
Cindy Ferrer, OCD-6 information officer and spokesperson for the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), said that preparations in the region began early last year through pre-disaster risk assessment and coordination meetings with RDRRMC-6 member agencies, private organizations, and groups.
In October 2023, the Western Visayas El Niño Task Group was established, led by the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 6 and co-led by OCD-6. It covers various sectors, including food security (Department of Agriculture Region 6), water security (Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6), health security (Department of Health Region 6), and public safety (Philippine National Police).
The task group’s functions include:
* Monitoring the implementation of the plan for timeliness, relevance, and responsiveness.
* Conducting extensive information campaigns to educate the public about El Niño and necessary interventions to reduce its negative community impacts.
* Enlisting the support of government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
* Identifying funding sources for task group activities in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management-CAR (DBM-CAR) and other agencies. The group formulated the Regional Comprehensive and Integrated Action Plan (CIAP) for El Niño, endorsed and approved by the council at the RDRRMC-6 full council meeting in December 2023. The CIAP aims to assist the public in coping with the phenomenon and minimizing its disastrous effects. The OCD-6 consistently reminds local government units (LGUs), other government agencies, and the community, issuing memoranda since April 2023 for the submission of preparedness measures by LGUs through their local disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs).
REMINDERS
Ferrer urged communities to remain vigilant against El Niño.
“Stay alert. We encourage seeking expert agricultural advice for alternative practices to minimize its impact on our agricultural produce, particularly as we strive to ensure food security in the region,” she said.
Ferrer added, “We also remind the general public to be cautious of this phenomenon’s health impacts. Stay hydrated and limit sun exposure to prevent health issues, especially heat stroke.” /PN
