(Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday urged Vice President Sara Duterte to stay informed about the government’s ongoing preparations for El Niño, stressing that measures to protect food security and assist vulnerable communities have already been implemented.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after Duterte reportedly called on the government during a gathering in Hong Kong to prioritize food security instead of simply advising Filipinos to prepare buckets for the effects of a potentially very strong El Niño.
“Ang maganda po kasi dito mas i-advise ninyo po ang Bise Presidente na magbasa po ng news, manood ng mainstream news mula sa mainstream media para malaman niya na ang kaniyang ina-advise ay matagal na pong ginagawa ng gobyerno,” Castro said during a press briefing.
Castro maintained that the administration has long been implementing measures to address the potential impact of the climate phenomenon on agriculture, water supply and affected communities.
“Huwag lang po sanang manatili ang kaisipan sa balde kasi wala pong mararating kung balde lang hihinto ang kaisipan ng isang Bise Presidente,” she added.
According to Castro, government interventions include the National Irrigation Administration’s deployment of mobile solar-powered irrigation systems to help farmers maintain agricultural production amid dry conditions.
She also cited assistance programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and initiatives by the Department of Agriculture, including cloud seeding operations and the distribution of seeds suitable for planting in dry soil.
The Palace official emphasized that these efforts are intended to safeguard food production and provide support to farmers and communities vulnerable to prolonged drought.
No state of calamity declaration yet
Meanwhile, Castro said the administration is not currently considering declaring a state of calamity in areas affected by El Niño.
Her statement came after 20 senators filed a resolution urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to consider such a declaration to accelerate government assistance to affected sectors.
Castro said the Office of the Executive Secretary recently met with concerned government agencies to review existing interventions and identify additional measures that may be needed.
“Sa ngayon ay wala pang ganoong iniisip na pagdedeklara dahil natutugunan sa ngayon ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” she said.
The Palace maintained that the government is currently addressing the needs of affected communities without declaring a state of calamity.
Castro assured that authorities would continue monitoring El Niño conditions and evaluate whether a calamity declaration becomes necessary as the situation develops.
