Ilocos Sur eyes ‘Contra Super El Niño’ task force vs extreme heat

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — A provincial board member has filed a proposed ordinance seeking to create the “Ilocos Sur Contra Super El Niño” Task Force to strengthen disaster preparedness, secure water supplies and protect communities from the potential impacts of El Niño and extreme heat.

The proposed measure, authored by Board Member Pablito Sanidad Jr., aims to establish a coordinated, provincewide response to drought, water shortages, agricultural losses and other climate-related hazards.

Under the draft ordinance, the task force would lead preparedness planning and coordinate prevention, mitigation, response and recovery efforts among provincial offices, local government units and other concerned agencies.

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READ: Senators to gov’t agencies: Step up preparations for ‘Super El Nino’

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According to Sanidad, the draft measure also seeks to protect public health, water resources, agriculture and local livelihoods, particularly in communities vulnerable to prolonged dry spells and extreme temperatures.

Ilocos Sur’s dependence on agriculture, fisheries and other climate-sensitive livelihoods makes the province susceptible to drought, crop damage, livestock losses and water scarcity.

The proposed ordinance underscores the need for a unified provincial mechanism that would enable government agencies, municipalities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to work together to address El Niño-related risks.

It also cites existing national laws on local government and disaster risk reduction and management as legal bases for strengthening local preparedness and response efforts.

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Among its stated objectives are creating a dedicated task force, implementing coordinated provincial action and reducing risks associated with extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions.

The draft measure further emphasizes proactive planning and science-based interventions to minimize the potential social, economic and environmental consequences of severe weather conditions.

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If enacted, the measure would give Ilocos Sur a more coordinated framework for preparing for and responding to El Niño and extreme heat events. /das