(DC file photo)
Malacañang on Friday urged government agencies to keep their Christmas celebrations modest and observe existing austerity measures as the country prepares for the effects of a potentially severe El Niño phenomenon.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said government resources should be prioritized for urgent public needs, particularly assistance to communities and farmers affected by prolonged dry conditions.
“Kaya ang dapat ng mga Christmas parties ay hindi man natin ipag-utos, pero ang reminder is dapat na maging simple dahil mas maraming pa tayong kakaharapin na mga issues na dapat na matugunan,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
She clarified that the Palace was not issuing a new directive restricting Christmas parties but was reminding government offices to exercise restraint in their spending.
Castro emphasized that existing austerity measures remain in effect as the administration addresses the challenges posed by El Niño.
The Palace official said the national government continues to identify provinces and municipalities experiencing the most severe effects of the weather phenomenon to ensure that assistance reaches communities in need.
She cited Cagayan Valley as among the areas already experiencing significant agricultural difficulties, particularly among farmers facing limited water supplies.
To help sustain agricultural production, the government has distributed mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps to affected farming communities.
Castro said the administration is also open to reviewing the priorities under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to help local government units finance preparations and response measures.
She stressed the importance of providing LGUs with sufficient flexibility to address the specific needs of their communities.
“Ngayon habang tumatagal itong nararanasan natin sa very strong El Niño, mas nakikita natin kung saan iyong pinakamatinding epekto nito,” Castro said.
According to Castro, the government will continue assessing conditions nationwide and adjust its interventions as the extent of the drought becomes clearer.
“Kung mas nakakaranas ang iba pa habang tumatagal ang araw at ang panahon, mas mag-a-adjust of course ng tulong ang gobyerno sa nasabing lugar o bayan o probinsiya para mas mapagaan ang nararamdaman nilang hirap dulot nitong very strong El Niño,” she added.
Castro assured that government assistance would be directed toward areas facing the greatest difficulties, with particular attention to agricultural communities vulnerable to water shortages and reduced farm production.
The Palace reiterated its call for prudent government spending, emphasizing that public resources should remain focused on essential services and assistance to communities affected by El Niño.
