(Photo courtesy of PIA)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The municipal government of Mansalay has launched an eight-week action plan to prepare for the anticipated effects of a very strong El Niño, focusing on protecting agriculture, securing water supplies, and safeguarding residents’ livelihoods.
Released on November 9, the El Niño Pre-Operational Action Plan outlines specific measures, deadlines, and responsibilities for local government offices to strengthen the municipality’s disaster preparedness.
Vice Mayor Joel Maliwanag said the plan was developed following discussions during the Mansalay Integrated Resilience Forum 2026 to translate recommendations into concrete actions ahead of the expected dry conditions.
Citing an advisory from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Maliwanag emphasized that the municipality has only eight weeks to complete critical preparations.
The local government began implementing the plan on November 9 with an executive order establishing the El Niño Task Force, led by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Office of the Mayor.
The task force was directed to identify essential data, assess potential risks, and develop priority programs, projects, and activities to mitigate the impact of prolonged dry conditions.
From November 10 to 12, the task force was scheduled to conduct a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA), gather relevant data, assess available resources, and finalize proposed interventions.
The findings will be presented to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) on November 13 for consideration of a revised Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Investment Plan and a resolution declaring an imminent disaster.
The Sangguniang Bayan is expected to adopt the corresponding resolution on November 16, paving the way for the implementation of preparedness measures.
The municipality has also scheduled a barangay-level coordination meeting on November 18 to inform local officials and communities about the task force’s activities and planned interventions.
From November 23 to December 4, the task force and MDRRMO will prepare a contingency plan addressing a worst-case El Niño scenario, including severe drought and its possible effects on agricultural production, water availability, and local livelihoods.
Maliwanag acknowledged the municipality’s limited financial resources but urged residents and local officials to work together to strengthen disaster preparedness.
“Alam nating may mga limitasyon ang ating pinansyal na kakayahan, ngunit hindi ito dapat maging dahilan upang panghinaan tayo ng loob. Tulong-tulong tayo. Sa mas malawak na pagkakaisa, marami tayong magagawa!” he said.
The local government said the action plan is intended to ensure coordinated and timely preparations to minimize the potential impact of El Niño on communities across Mansalay.
