Camarines Norte launches measures vs El Niño impact

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- To help farmers, fisherfolk, and residents cope with the impacts of El Niño phenomenon, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) identified key measures during its meeting on Sept. 30 at the provincial Capitol.

Governor Ricarte Padilla, PDRRMC chairperson, directed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) to compile the list of affected farmers and fisherfolk to forward to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to seek for support.

Padilla also instructed the OPAg to assist and help farmers in raising livestock or farming catfish as alternative sources of livelihood.

“Let us help the farmers raise livestock or farm catfish to provide them with an additional source of livelihood,” Padilla said.

A total of 1,182 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected, with agricultural damage reaching approximately P53 million particularly in rice production, according to Raffy Belardo of OPAg.

He reported that as of Sept. 15, a total of 4,070 hectares (31.42 percent) have been planted, while 8,882.42 hectares (68.58 percent) remain unplanted.

Belardo added that 211 fisherfolk were affected across 101 hectares of fishponds in the towns of Labo, San Vicente, and Capalonga.

OPAg reported that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will provide 20,000 hito (catfish) fingerlings this October.

There is no shortage of livestock, as cattle populations rose by 30 percent and carabao by 19 percent from January to August this year compared to last year, with an ample supply of poultry and pork, according to Provincial Veterinarian Ronaldo Diezmo.

Hiraya Corp. reported that its four spring water sources have reached critical levels while its four deep wells are being used for augmentation.

Its surface water sources include the Dagotdotan Filtration Facility and Mampurog/Hanabana in San Lorenzo Ruiz, according to Genie Altamarino of Hiraya Corp. General Service and Compliance Department.

She said spring water production should ideally reach 45.46 million liters per day (MLD), but current output has dropped to just 15.6 MLD which is far below the normal threshold of 37 MLD.

As a result, Hiraya has implemented water rationing in parts of its service coverage, including Daet North, portions of Talisay, Vinzons, and San Vicente, with nine water truck tankers delivering supply to affected areas.

The provincial government will be providing six water trucks to augment the rationing of water to the affected areas, said Padilla.

Padilla also instructed PDRRMO Head Antonio Espana to provide him with a consolidated inventory of existing water facilities as reported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Public Works and Highways, Provincial Engineering Office, and other agencies to inspect if they are functional and determine how they can help alleviate the water crisis.

Additionally, he pledged to supply Jetmatic water pumps to the 319 public schools across Camarines Norte.

Meanwhile, the price freeze has been implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry from Sept. 25 to Nov. 24 this year, in line with the declaration of state of calamity in the province, according to Provincial Director Christie Rivera.

Camarines Norte has experienced drought since July to present while strong El Niño phenomenon is forecasted to peak by the end of this year, according to Reniel Mago, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Service Administration Daet Weather Station.

Earlier on Sept. 18, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the province under a state of calamity due to the adverse effects of the water crisis and the impacts of El Niño phenomenon pursuant to Republic Act 10121 and the recommendation embodied in PDRRMC Resolution 9 s. 2026. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)