*Aims to strengthen DavNor El Niño PreparednessTAGUM CITY — In anticipation of the possible impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, the Office of Davao del Norte First District Board Member Tristan Royce R. Aala, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, convened an El Niño Summit on Thursday, October 29, bringing together key provincial offices and government stakeholders to assess preparedness and strengthen coordinated action.
The consultative meeting focused on the possible effects of prolonged dry conditions on agriculture, water resources, public health, education, livelihoods and vulnerable communities, while reviewing existing preparedness and response measures of concerned government agencies.
During the meeting, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) presented a coordinated action plan involving various government agencies, including the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Office (PABEO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Provincial Police Office (PNP), and the Davao del Norte Armed Forces command.
The coordinated approach seeks to ensure that the different government sectors will have clearly defined roles and can respond collectively should the effects of El Niño intensify.
The Department of Education (DepEd) likewise presented its updated action plan, outlining measures intended to address the possible effects of extreme heat, water-related concerns and other challenges that may affect schools, learners and personnel.
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Lacerona strongly advocated the adoption of the Technical Working Group (TWG) earlier organized through the PDRRMO under the initiative of the Provincial Governor.
Dr. Lacerona emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the TWG as a coordinating mechanism to facilitate a smooth transition from planning to actual implementation and ensure that the necessary interventions are properly communicated and carried out among the different stakeholders.
The proposed mechanism is expected to help establish clearer coordination among participating agencies, particularly in translating the province’s preparedness plans into concrete actions at the community level.
Aala said the Committee hearing was intended not only to understand the possible consequences of El Niño but also to determine what government can do before the situation develops into a more serious crisis.
The Committee sought from participating agencies their assessment of existing preparedness measures, possible gaps in resources and implementation, and recommendations for additional programs, policies or legislative measures that may be necessary.
The discussions may serve as inputs for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in determining appropriate policy, budgetary or legislative interventions to strengthen the province’s preparedness not only for the anticipated El Niño but also for similar climate-related hazards in the future.
The initiative reflects the Committee’s emphasis on early preparation, inter-agency coordination and proactive governance, recognizing that effective disaster management begins well before communities are confronted by the full impact of a crisis.
