Aggressive anti-El Niño measures sought

MANILA, Philippines - Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano lll urged the national and local governments yesterday to take   aggressive and high-impact measures to cushion the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Albano made the appeal  after the National Economic and Development Authority warned of the impact of the extended dry season on rice production and weather agencies forecast the “worst” El Niño to hit the Asia-Pacific region.

He said while President Aquino is doing everything to mitigate the effects of El Niño, both the national and local governments must search for and institute solutions to lessen the impact on food production.

“They have to ensure enough supply of rice and other staples like corn and other farm products like vegetables,” he said. 

If rice supply becomes tight, the National Food Authority should be bring in imports fast, he said.

Albano said the government should launch water conservation programs that would promote efficient use of water for drinking and irrigation.

He suggested that concerned agencies mount an information campaign on the conservation and use of water.

Modern farming and fishery technologies that adapt to the extended dry season phenomenon should be employed to maximize production, he said.