Ilocos norte: The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is intensifying preparations for the ongoing El Ni±o phenomenon, prioritizing water security and agricultural protection as farmers brace for higher temperatures and reduced rainfall. After a meeting with the Provincial Resiliency Office, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos reiterated her call on Tuesday to conserve water and ensure water-harvesting facilities are in place ahead of the dry season.
According to Philippines News Agency, as part of the short-term measures, the provincial government will provide short-maturing and drought-tolerant planting materials while promoting high-value crops in rainfed areas as an alternative to rice. In addition to ongoing fuel subsidies, water pumps, and irrigation hoses for areas with water sources like shallow tube wells, support will continue for small farm reservoir construction and repair. The governor assured that immediate aid will be provided to drought-affected farming communities based on their needs.
Instead of waiting for severe dry conditions, the provincial government is proactively preparing to reduce the impact of prolonged heat, water shortages, and drought on farmers and households. Among its long-term interventions are expanding water and irrigation infrastructure through the construction of additional small water impounding projects (SWIPs), small farm reservoirs, spring development projects, diversion dams, and solar-powered irrigation systems.
'We have been in close coordination with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), led by Administrator Eddie Guillen, to better prepare for it,' Araneta-Marcos added. For NIA, the agency has been working closely with farmers and irrigation associations to promote water-saving practices, suitable cropping schedules, and crop diversification.
With the continuous rains over the past few weeks, provincial agriculturist Teresa Bacnat reported that existing SWIPs across the province have been able to collect water for future use. Schools, hospitals, and households are also encouraged to install water harvesting facilities while continuing the repair and maintenance of water systems.
