By Nimfa Estrellado Consultation meeting led by PDRRMO under the direction of Dr. Melchor Avenilla Jr., the Department of Science and Techno...
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| Consultation meeting led by PDRRMO under the direction of Dr. Melchor Avenilla Jr., the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) held on July 18, 2023, at the Queen Margarette Hotel, Brgy. Domoit, Lucena City. (Photo from Sariaya LGU) |
LUCENA CITY - Through the PDRRMO under the direction of Dr. Melchor Avenilla Jr., the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) is working with the Province of Quezon, under the leadership of Governor Doktora Helen Tan, to strengthen disaster preparedness and disseminate accurate information and warnings of impending disasters.
Various stakeholders from the government, private sector, and civil society gathered yesterday, July 18, 2023, at the Queen Margarette Hotel, Brgy. Domoit, Lucena City, to discuss strategies and initiatives to improve disaster preparedness in the province during the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign and Consultative Meeting.
Dr. Esperanza Cayanan, OIC-PAGASA, discussed the Tropical Cyclone Warning System (TCWS), Hydro-meteorological Hazards, and an El Niño and Gale Warning update.
According to Cayanan, this year, many areas are expected to receive more than 60% less rainfall from September to December, potentially leading to drought conditions.
Cayanan also emphasized the importance of early warning systems and preparedness measures in mitigating the impact of these weather phenomena on vulnerable communities.
In addition, he said that the Philippines is a country with a high incidence of typhoons and tropical cyclones, which are expected to increase in frequency due to climate change.
El Niño, according to Cayanan, is characterized by dry and drought conditions that can be felt within two to five months and will cause widespread drought in various regions.
She went on to say that El Niño is a natural climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt normal weather patterns and result in less rain. As a result, it is critical for governments and communities to take proactive steps to mitigate the negative effects of El Niño-induced droughts.
Meanwhile, Pdrrmo Quezon provincial head Dr. Melchor Avenilla stated that the Quezon provincial government has a program called 'Community Potable Water Sources Rehabilitation and Improvement Program' to address the province's water shortage in some towns.
Avenilla said that Governor Angelina Tan wants to expand this program to more towns in order to ensure water availability in the event that El Niño's effects worsen and more regions of the province experience drought.
"The program aims to rehabilitate and improve existing water sources, such as wells and springs, in order to provide communities with long-term access to clean and potable water. Governor Tan hopes to mitigate the potential impact of worsening El Niño-induced droughts on the province's residents by expanding the program. " he said.
He also stated that there is a program in place to respond to the impact of El Niño on agriculture on July 18, 2023, and to provide support and assistance to farmers affected by the drought.
He stated that the Quezon government is committed to implementing long-term solutions to the water scarcity problem. This includes investing in infrastructure projects such as reservoir construction and irrigation system improvements to ensure efficient agricultural water distribution.
Janus Robinson Sabas, Station Manager of the Philippine Coast Guard Southern Quezon, on the other hand, shared the Revised Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather, which includes the law regarding moving vessels during heavy storms.
He said that vessel operators must be aware of these guidelines in order to ensure the safety of their crew and passengers during severe weather.
The guidelines outline the precautions and procedures that must be taken to reduce the risks associated with severe storms at sea.
These include keeping an eye on weather forecasts, making sure the vessel is properly equipped with safety equipment, and staying in constant communication with the coast guard.
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