PRESIDENT MARCOS TO LEAD EFFORTS IN TACKLING ‘SUPER EL NIÑO’

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will lead government efforts to respond to what is being touted as Super El Niño phenomenon that will affect the country and issue instructions on what needs to be done, a Palace official said.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the lead agency for the Task Force El Niño is under discussion.

When asked about the President’s involvement, Castro said, “Siya (President Marcos) ang nangunguna kapag nagkakaroon ng meeting at siya ang nag-uutos kung ano ang dapat na gawin.”

According to Castro, agencies involved include the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Water Resources Board, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

These agencies are conducting meetings in preparation for the El Niño phenomenon, she added.

Castro said the government is also allocating funds for El Niño response, particularly for well-organized preparations such as climate information, agriculture and food, irrigation, water supply, and social protection.

The Palace Press Officer also asked the public to do its part and help the government in tackling the impending dry spell.

“Makakaasa kayo na ang gobyerno ay tumatalima sa kanilang tungkulin, pero of course, kailangan din natin ngayon ang tulong din ng ating mga kababayan kung paano kayo makapagtipid ng inyong tubig sa inyong kabahayan, iyan ang malaking tulong,” said the Palace official.