Strengthening preventive measures for El Niño

As the Philippines braces for the challenges brought by the developing Super El Niño, our marine resources, food supply, and water security are increasingly at risk. We appeal to our national government agencies to put concrete measures in place to protect water supply, food production, livelihoods and public health.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced national preventive measures earlier this month. However, these must be followed by immediate and decisive action. If we already know which areas are likely to experience drought, extreme heat, and water shortages, government interventions must be prepared and ready for implementation before conditions worsen.

Water is one of the most essential needs during severe drought. We must protect the supply for households, hospitals, schools and farms. Let us improve distribution, irrigation, and water conservation measures while there is still time to prepare.

The impact of El Niño also extends to our farmers and fisherfolk. When crops are destroyed and fishery resources are affected, families lose their sources of income, and our food supply is put at risk. We must protect our agricultural sector and ensure that affected communities receive the assistance they need to recover and rebuild their livelihoods.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I understand how disruptions in food production can deeply affect Filipino families. Government data also showed that 106 cities and municipalities across five regions had already declared states of calamity because of intensifying dry conditions. Past El Niño episodes also highlighted the potential public health threat.

Extreme heat can quickly lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. People must know how to protect themselves, where to access clean drinking water, and where to seek immediate medical attention when they start experiencing symptoms.

As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, I urge my fellow kababayans to seek help at the nearest Super Health Centers in their communities. Through our collaborative efforts, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health, and local governments, funding has been secured for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. These facilities are designed to provide primary care, consultations, laboratory and diagnostic services, and early disease detection closer to communities.

We are also the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which consolidates access to medical and financial assistance from concerned government agencies in one location.

Furthermore, we have filed Senate Bill 673, which seeks to provide full crop insurance coverage for qualified agrarian reform beneficiaries, particularly smallholder farmers cultivating five hectares or less. The proposal is intended to provide farmers with greater financial protection against losses caused by natural calamities and other risks to agricultural production.

As we confront the challenges posed by El Niño, let us work together and help each other. It is very important for the national government to strengthen preparedness, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that no Filipino is left behind.

On 13 October, we personally went to Quezon City to aid 221 beneficiaries who were affected by the recent fire, in coordination with Councilor Migs Suntay and Barangay Central chairwoman Rosa Magpayo.

Meanwhile, on 16 October, we went to Davao City and personally assisted our kababayans who were affected by a big fire that affected many families.

The previous week, our Malasakit Team also extended immediate assistance to fire victims in Cebu City, Pasay City, Davao City, and Manila. We also extended some assistance to those affected by the landslide in Cebu City.

As Mr. Malasakit, I will continue to be of service to the Filipino people sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.