By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has called on government agencies to accelerate the construction of irrigation projects and other initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.
Marcos emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and the Filipino people in preparing for the potential adverse effects of El Niño. He has set a deadline for government agencies to complete all El Niño-related mitigation projects.
“Given the limited time we have left, these projects have become more crucial and urgent. With just four months remaining, we need to ensure the completion and operational readiness of all these endeavors,” Marcos stated during his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (BSRIP) in Nueva Ecija.
He further stressed that he has tasked government departments to evaluate what can be accomplished by April of the following year, ensuring that by May, sufficient water supply is available in anticipation of the dry season.
Additionally, Marcos reminded the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to swiftly finalize the construction of irrigation facilities.
The Department of Science and Technology predicted that at least six (6) provinces in the Philippines will be hardest hit by the El Nino phenomenon beginning in March next year.
(ai/mnm)
