DA braces for El Niño, La Niña

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing for the possible impacts of El Niño and La Niña as the agriculture sector faces increasingly extreme weather conditions.

DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said Saturday the agency was preparing for worst-case scenarios amid the effects of climate change.

Speaking at a House of Representatives news forum, De Mesa said persistent rains from the southwest monsoon, or habagat, had helped replenish major dams.

“If there’s one thing good about this habagat, our major dams have experienced significant recovery,” De Mesa said.

He cited Angat Dam, whose water level had risen to about 204 meters from around 150 meters before the monsoon rains. Citing Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, De Mesa said the rapid recovery of the dams in less than a month was unusual and could help the country prepare for El Niño.

The DA is also looking to solar-powered irrigation projects to provide more sustainable water sources for farms while reducing electricity consumption.

Rice and corn are among the agency’s priorities during El Niño because of their significant water requirements, while vegetable production must be protected from excessive rainfall during La Niña.