PRESS RELEASE
04 MAY 2023
ULAP National President Governor Dax Cua Supports Call for LGUs to Prepare for El Nino and Implement Mitigating Measures
ULAP National President Gov. Dax Cua supports the call of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. for local government units (LGUs) to prepare for the potential El Nino phenomenon that may emerge in the next three months until the first quarter of 2024.
Gov. Cua recognizes the importance of conserving water and implementing precautionary measures to mitigate the ill effects of El Nino on agriculture, water resources, marine resources, human health, and the environment.
"We cannot underestimate the potential impact of El Nino on our communities, particularly on our agriculture and water resources. As LGUs, we must take the necessary steps to prepare and implement mitigating measures to minimize the impact of this phenomenon," said Gov. Cua.
The ULAP National President encourages all LGUs to comply with the memorandum circular issued by Secretary Abalos, which enlists various mitigation efforts such as enacting ordinances to curb illegal connections and encouraging the prudent use of water, allowing water concessionaires and utilities to conduct emergency repairs, and updating contingency plans related to El Nino.
Gov. Cua also emphasizes the importance of conducting massive information, education, and communication campaigns in communities to educate and encourage the public to check and immediately fix water leaks, maximize rainwater harvesting and storage, implement water conservation measures, and set the temperature of air-conditioning units between 22 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, ULAP National President Gov. Cua urges LGUs to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture regional offices for the conduct of cloud seeding operations, implementation of a rotational irrigation scheme, and water-saving technology.
"Collaboration among LGUs, national government agencies, and the private sector is key to effectively addressing the impact of El Nino. We must work together to ensure that our communities are prepared and resilient," concluded Gov. Cua.
As the country prepares for the potential adverse effects of El Nino, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) stands with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos as DA Secretary and DILG Secretary Abalos in encouraging all LGUs to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of this phenomenon on our communities.
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