Fuel aid, solar irrigation rolled out across PH

MANILA, Philippines — Emergency fuel assistance, solar-powered irrigation projects and alternative water sources are being rolled out in parts of the country as authorities prepare for the possible effects of El Niño on farms and communities.

In Ilocos Sur, the city government of Candon is preparing to declare a state of calamity, with nearly 70 percent of its rice lands already showing signs of drying and about 5,000 farmers at risk of being affected by prolonged dry conditions.

Mayor Eric Singson said the city was implementing precautionary measures based on weather advisories and national government guidance on the anticipated climate phenomenon.

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READ: P7.1-B project to improve irrigation in Nueva Ecija

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“We are being guided by the advice of the president to be ready for the El Niño phenomenon,” Singson said in a video statement on Oct. 7.

El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which can cause below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry conditions in parts of the country.

Government aid

To help farmers sustain irrigation and other agricultural activities, the Candon City government has set aside about 100,000 liters of diesel for distribution to qualified rice farmers.

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Each beneficiary will receive 20 liters of diesel for October, with another allocation being prepared for November.

The assistance will be distributed through fuel slips redeemable at designated gasoline stations.

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Singson said the city was also anticipating possible disruptions to water and power supplies as dry conditions persist.

As part of its contingency measures, the local government plans to acquire two water trucks and provide water storage tanks to barangays to ensure that communities have access to water should shortages occur.

The mayor said the city government would seek the approval of the city council for a state of calamity declaration to strengthen its response to the anticipated effects of El Niño.

Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is expanding solar-powered irrigation facilities in Eastern Visayas to help farmers maintain agricultural production amid the threat of prolonged dry conditions.

On Oct. 9, the NIA turned over the Guintigui-an Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Barangay Guintigui-an, Ormoc City, Leyte, benefiting 87 farmers cultivating about 70 hectares of agricultural land.

The facility uses solar energy to power five 15-horsepower submersible pumps connected to a network of pipelines and farm-level irrigation systems.

By reducing dependence on diesel-powered pumps, the project is expected to lower irrigation costs while providing farmers with a more reliable water supply.

NIA Eastern Visayas Regional Manager Jaime de Jesus said the project would help farming communities sustain production despite climate-related challenges.

In Samar, the NIA’s Eastern-Western Samar Irrigation Management Office, in coordination with the Catbalogan City Agriculture Office, is also exploring additional groundwater sources for irrigation development.

On Sept. 30, NIA personnel conducted georesistivity testing in Sitio Cabungaan, Barangay Totoringon, to assess the area’s groundwater potential for vegetable and root crop production.

In Calbayog City, the Cabacungan Solar Powered Irrigation Project has undergone its final test run ahead of its planned operation and turnover to beneficiaries.

The facility is designed to provide irrigation to 24 farmers cultivating approximately 12 hectares of agricultural land.

Securing sources

In Oriental Mindoro, the province’s largest public high school is also strengthening its water supply systems to ensure uninterrupted access for more than 6,000 learners.

Oriental Mindoro National High School in Calapan City has begun inspecting its deep wells, elevated water tanks and rainwater catchment facilities as part of preparations for possible water shortages.

Arlan Bolasco, the school’s assistant principal for operations and learners support, said maintenance personnel were assessing the condition of rainwater catchment systems and identifying facilities that require repairs.

In South Cotabato, the provincial government has stepped up preparations amid concerns over prolonged severe dry conditions that could affect farms, livestock and public health.

Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the province prepared early for the possible effects of a severe El Niño, including ensuring the availability of water trucks, water impounding facilities and food packs.

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Rolly Doane Aquino, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, said the province has not yet reached El Niño conditions, but preparations are underway in case the heat and dry weather worsen. —REPORTS FROM KENNETH P. TABIN, JOEY A. GABIETA, IRE JOE V.C. LAURENTE AND AMIEL M. CAGAYAN INQ