(Photo courtesy of La Union Media Affairs Office)
LA UNION – The provincial government of La Union has intensified preparations for a potentially severe El Niño, rolling out agricultural assistance, water conservation measures, and health interventions to protect communities from prolonged dry conditions.
In a statement Friday, the La Union Media Affairs Office said the provincial government was coordinating with concerned agencies and local government units to minimize the anticipated effects of El Niño through March 2027.
“Through proactive interventions, the provincial government aims to protect agricultural livelihoods, strengthen essential services, address potential health and environmental risks, and ensure timely assistance to communities that may be affected,” the office said.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) has begun distributing hybrid and certified rice seeds, hybrid corn, mungbean and peanut seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment to help farmers sustain production despite possible water shortages.
The provincial government is also strengthening irrigation facilities through solar-powered irrigation systems, mobile solar pumps, and the rehabilitation of existing irrigation networks and water impounding structures.
Farmers and fisherfolk are receiving financial and technical assistance, along with support for alternative livelihood activities such as tilapia and bangus production, food processing, and alternatives to tobacco farming.
Training programs on food safety, crop production, and pest and disease management are also being conducted to help agricultural communities adapt to changing weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office is coordinating with district hospitals and local health facilities to maintain adequate supplies of medicines and medical equipment in anticipation of increased cases of heat-related illnesses.
Health authorities are preparing for possible cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke as prolonged high temperatures could pose risks to vulnerable residents.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is also preparing financial assistance for individuals affected by heat-related illnesses.
According to the provincial government, documentary requirements for medical assistance have been simplified to make support more accessible to residents.
To address potential water shortages, the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) is implementing its Watershed Management Program, which includes forest protection and water quality monitoring in coordination with concerned agencies.
Rainwater harvesting facilities have also been installed in schools and barangays across the province to provide alternative water sources for cleaning, sanitation, gardening, and other non-drinking purposes.
The facilities are intended to help communities conserve available water supplies during extended periods of limited rainfall.
The provincial government is likewise exploring additional water treatment technologies, including the SAFEWATRS system developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).
The mobile, solar-powered purification and disinfection system can produce up to 2,000 liters of safe drinking water within nine hours of operation, depending on its configuration.
It also features manual controls and a backup battery option, allowing its use in areas with limited electricity access.
Other proposed water security initiatives include bulk water supply facilities under the Philippine Forestry Development Project and a pilot desalination facility in San Fernando City.
These projects are being explored to strengthen the province’s long-term water supply capacity and reduce vulnerability to drought conditions.
Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega urged farmers, fisherfolk, and other residents who may be affected by El Niño to coordinate with their respective local government units for available assistance.
The provincial government assured communities that preparations would continue to help safeguard agricultural production, public health, and access to essential water supplies as the province braces for possible prolonged dry conditions.
