March 29, 2024

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The city go-vernment has intensifed its preparations for the El Niño, which is forecast to hit various parts of the country in the coming months.

Mayor Darwin C. Estranero issued Executive Order 26, mandating the creation of the City El Niño Task Force.

Spearheaded by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the body is composed of line agencies, non-government organizations, the private sector, and volunteers.

The Task Force is set to organize working committees tasked to mitigate the hazards and effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

The Pagasa El Niño Southern Oscillation alert and warning was upgraded to an El Niño watch that is predicted to set in July, August, and September, and may last until early 2024.

The climatic warning said there is high chance of below-normal rainfall during the season seen to bring conditions of dry spells and droughts in various parts of the country.

“Definitely this will cause adverse effects on agriculture which is the city’s major industry,” and this is the scenario the task force is preparing to address through the participation of all stakeholders,” the EO stated. – Larry Lopez