Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan urged government agencies to preposition relief supplies and implement early interventions to protect vulnerable communities from the anticipated impacts of a strong El Niño, stressing the need to act before conditions worsen.
The senator said the government must prioritize low-income families, farmers, fisherfolk, agricultural workers, and other vulnerable sectors who are likely to bear the brunt of prolonged dry spells, rising food prices, and potential losses in agricultural livelihoods.
“Ika nga, prevention is better than cure, di ba? Kesa tayo ay magturuan at magsisihan kapag nandiyan na ang problema, bakit hindi pa natin paghandaan ngayon? Alam naman nating paparating na ang Super El Niño at tiyak na tiyak na mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at mga low-income households ang unang-unang maaapektuhan,” he said.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, Pangilinan has been pushing for reforms and modernization in the agriculture and fisheries sectors to strengthen the country’s food security.
With the looming threat of a strong El Niño, the senator has also proposed an eight-point action plan to mitigate its impact on vulnerable communities, agricultural production, and food supply.
Citing Section 9 of Republic Act No. 12287, or the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, Pangilinan emphasized the need for anticipatory measures, including the prepositioning and distribution of food and non-food items, mobilization of response teams, and assistance to vulnerable communities.
Under his proposed action plan, Pangilinan called on the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Office of Civil Defense, and concerned local government units to coordinate the preparation and implementation of local readiness plans.
“These plans must identify available supplies, storage and distribution facilities, transport arrangements, and personnel responsible for delivery. Water tankers, pumps, treatment equipment, and repair teams must also be readied for deployment where needed,” the senator said.
“Priority must be given to vulnerable households, with clear delivery schedules and safeguards to ensure that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries without unnecessary delay,” he added.
Pangilinan also called for an inventory of available relief supplies, identification of high-risk barangays and communities, clear distribution arrangements, and replenishment plans to ensure that essential assistance can be delivered promptly when needed.
He identified farmers and fisherfolk, low-income households, children, pregnant and lactating women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and residents of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas as among those who should be prioritized in the government’s preparedness and relief efforts.
The eight-point action plan also calls for appropriate disaster declarations, identification of available funds, protection of farms and water systems, enforcement of applicable price controls, measures against profiteering and hoarding, livelihood assistance, and a public accountability system to monitor government interventions.