Naga LGU eyes task force to mitigate impacts of El Niño
LEGAZPI CITY --- The city government of Naga is forming a task force to coordinate efforts to mitigate the impacts of El Niño, focusing on drought, water shortages, agricultural losses, and heat-related illnesses.
Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo said that all city government departments will participate in these preparations, with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office leading the coordination of measures to help the city prepare for the possible effects of this weather phenomenon.
The City Agriculture Office will focus on assisting farmers and other agricultural stakeholders who may be impacted by crop damage and losses.
Additionally, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, along with the Bureau of Fire Protection, will monitor dry grasslands and other areas prone to fire.
To prevent grass fires, the city also plans to prohibit open burning.
Robredo said that the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) has assured the city of a sufficient water supply until December, provided that consumers keep their water usage at normal levels.
“Basta mayong use na mas dakol kesa sa normal, okay pa kita pag December. Ang sabi ta, dae mag-depend dyan. Mas maray magluwas kita ng mga pagirumdom sa public,” she said, stressing the need to intensify information campaigns to encourage water conservation and raise public awareness of El Niño-related risks.
(As long as we do not use more water than usual, we should have enough until December. However we should not rely solely on that assurance. It would be better to come up with ways to remind and inform the public.)
The city will prioritize the health and safety of its workers in response to rising temperatures. The local government has acquired blood pressure monitors for city offices to facilitate daily monitoring and assist in identifying employees who may require medical attention.
“Gabos na opisina, pigtawan ta pang-BP. Required ang mga opisina na mag-log in kan mga blood pressure ninda every day. Tanganing itong may record na naglalangkaw, mataaman,” Robredo said.
(Every office will be provided with a blood pressure monitor. All offices are required to record their employees’ blood pressure readings every day so that those with elevated readings can be identified.)
Robredo said that executive checkups are free for PhilHealth YAKAP members, which is especially important for personnel working in the field under extreme heat conditions.
Alternate work schedules will be implemented in offices with significant field operations, including the Public Safety Office, Solid Waste Management Office, and City Engineering Office.
Additionally, the city government will meet with pedicab drivers to discuss measures to protect them from heat-related risks.
Robredo urged residents to conserve water and adopt water-saving practices as part of the city’s preparations. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story. PIA Bicol/Camarines Sur)
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