Doha:Negros Oriental The Negros Oriental Provincial Task Force on El Niño is set to review and update its action plan to bolster the province's readiness for an anticipated strong El Niño event later this year. Adrian Sedillo, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), has indicated that the task force's existing strategy, which was established following an executive order by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria in 2024, will undergo evaluation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sedillo mentioned that the executive order from 2024 outlined various mitigating measures to combat El Niño and address sector-specific challenges. However, recent forecasts suggest that Negros Oriental could be significantly impacted, prompting a need to revise some previous measures.

The revisions to the action plan will be informed by recommendations from several government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, among others. Additionally, the task force is considering involving representatives from the energy sector to tackle potential power-supply issues during the expected prolonged dry spell.

Agencies have already started prepositioning buffer stocks, including seeds and fertilizers, for farmers. The PDRRMO has also prepared portable water pumps to mitigate potential water shortages. Initial weather projections indicated that the effects of El Niño might be felt by December, but more recent reports suggest the province could be severely affected.

Recent rainfall has provided some relief, allowing farmers to plant and possibly harvest crops before conditions worsen early next year. The task force plans to convene in November to evaluate current preparedness efforts and ensure community resilience against water supply, food security, public health, and safety challenges posed by El Niño.