South Cotabato gears up for ‘super’ El Niño

KORONADAL CITY — South Cotabato has stepped up preparations for the projected “super” El Niño, with water facilities, disaster funds, and relief supplies ready amid concerns about prolonged severe dry conditions that could affect farms, livestock, and public health.

Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the province has prepared early for the possible effects of a severe El Niño, including ensuring the availability of water trucks, water impounding facilities and food packs.

“We have water trucks, we have impounding facilities. Everything has been set up,” Tamayo told reporters.

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READ: Recto orders faster public spending, early procurement for super El NiñoTamayo said the province is also monitoring weather conditions and helping determine which crops may be suitable for planting based on forecasts.

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He said the provincial government has also prepared for a worst-case scenario, with food packs and buffer stocks available for distribution to communities that may be severely affected.

Rolly Doane Aquino, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, said South Cotabato remains under an El Niño Alert based on information from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Aquino said the province has not yet reached El Niño conditions, but preparations are underway in case the heat and dry weather worsen.

“As of now, all preparedness measures are being undertaken by our department,” Aquino said.

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Tamayo said the province has yet to feel the full effects of El Niño, noting that several areas continue to experience rain.

Aquino said authorities are closely monitoring sectors that could be affected by prolonged dry conditions.

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“We are monitoring the agriculture sector, the health sector and, of course, our livestock that could be affected,” Aquino said.

The province’s El Niño Task Force is already in place, bringing together the PDRRMO, Integrated Provincial Health Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and other concerned agencies.

READ: El Niño will intensify, then peak in December – UN

Aquino said part of the province’s Quick Response Fund and other disaster funds remain available for preparedness and response.

Tamayo said the province has also accumulated unused disaster funds over the years, providing additional resources in case of major calamities.

Aquino said Tamayo, who chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, has directed concerned offices to ensure water impounding facilities are ready and relief supplies remain available in provincial warehouses.

They are also securing fuel for water pumps if water supplies are affected.

Authorities are also monitoring the possible effects of high temperatures on residents.

Aquino, a nurse, advised the public to avoid unnecessary sun exposure, stay hydrated and remain in cooler areas whenever possible.

READ: El Niño to bring drought to all provinces by March 2027 – DOST

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He urged farmers and livestock raisers to continue monitoring official weather advisories and take precautions as the province prepares for the possibility of more severe heat and dry conditions./coa