MANILA, Philippines — As provinces prepare for the impending El Niño, Quirino Governor Dakila Cua said that local government units (LGUs) and the national government must work together in providing long-term solutions for the dry season.
“Sa tingin ko po kailangan nating makipag-ugnayan at makipagtulungan ang mga LGUs lalo na under the leadership of the national government to determine long-term solutions,” said Cua, who is also the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) Chairperson.
(I think LGUs need to communicate and cooperate, especially under the leadership of the national government, to determine long-term solutions.)
During a public briefing on Friday, Cua said that government response is usually reactionary rather than proactive.
“Hindi tayo pwedeng reactionary palagi. React tayo ‘pag sobrang tubig, react din tayo ‘pag kulang ang tubig. Kailangan po talaga may comprehensive interventions and plans to manage water delivery and water availability of the needs of our people and our farmers,” he said.
(We cannot always be reactionary. React when there’s a water surplus, and also react when there’s insufficient water. We really need comprehensive interventions and plans to manage water delivery and water availability of the needs of our people and our farmers.)
There should be watershed management and vigilance over trees and forests as they sustain water and prevent massive flooding and soil erosion, Cua recommended.
Meanwhile, he added that the LGUs have prepared for El Niño through the help of various government agencies.
“Nakahanda ang mga LGUs through our Disaster Risk Reduction Councils, mula sa probinsya ‘yan hanggang sa barangay, hanggang sa munisipyo at lungsod, lahat po kami ay established at institutionalized na po ang ating mga councils, nandiyan na po ang mga protocols, at nakahanda na po ang ating calamity fund na tugunan ang mga pangangailangan nito,” said Cua.
(The LGUs are prepared through our Disaster Risk Reduction Councils, from province to barangay, to municipality and city, we are all established and the councils are already institutionalized, there are protocols, and the calamity fund is ready to address their needs.)
The Department of the Interior and Local Government have issued a memorandum advising all localities to prepare for El Niño. Ordinances will be implemented such for illegal tapping of water.
The LPP is also set to work with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health.
With reports from Aliah Gumasing, INQUIRER.net trainee
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