(Photo courtesy of PIA)
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and partner government agencies in Cagayan Valley are strengthening measures to protect farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers from the potential effects of El Niño while ensuring stable agricultural production.
The DA Regional Management Committee (RMC) in Region 2 recently gathered government agencies, partner institutions, and provincial local government units to assess preparedness plans and coordinate interventions against possible prolonged dry conditions.
DA Regional Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino emphasized the need to turn preparedness strategies into concrete actions that directly benefit agricultural communities.
Aquino reiterated the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to implement timely and coordinated measures that protect agricultural livelihoods and food security.
She stressed that government agencies must act before water shortages and other climate-related disruptions significantly affect production.
Meanwhile, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 2 Operations Section Chief Josefina Guray said the agency is developing shallow tube wells and deploying mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps to provide alternative water sources for farmers.
NIA is also promoting water conservation techniques, including Alternate Wetting and Drying, irrigation scheduling, and rotational water distribution.
Additional measures include canal desiltation, adjustments to planting schedules, and alternative cropping strategies to help farmers manage limited water supplies.
“These measures have been communicated to irrigators’ associations to help farmers prepare for possible water shortages,” Guray said.
The agency is also coordinating with local governments and irrigation groups to strengthen agricultural support, market access, and livelihood opportunities.
For the fisheries sector, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 2 Director Angel Encarnacion said the agency is implementing mitigation programs to help fishing communities adapt to prolonged dry conditions and changing weather patterns.
BFAR is promoting sustainable fishing practices and providing assistance aimed at maintaining fish production and reducing potential income losses among fisherfolk.
Local government units are also carrying out preventive measures to protect hog populations and support livestock raisers.
Through the DA Regional Management Committee, concerned agencies are aligning resources, technical assistance, and agricultural programs to improve the region’s response to El Niño.
The coordinated initiatives aim to minimize crop losses, sustain fisheries and livestock production, and maintain a stable food supply throughout Cagayan Valley.
