DA eyes more water impounding facilities amid El Niño

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday said the agency is aiming to create more water impounding facilities to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

''Iyong sa El Niño matter, it was actually…the President has met with the Cabinet two times last December to try to address nga the El Niño issue ‘no and to have advanced planning kung anong mga dapat gawin,'' Laurel said at a Palace press briefing. 

''Ang intervention natin na gagawin sa DA based on the meetings last December is to create more water impounding areas and facilities as soon as possible and another way that we can help mitigate, kahit kaunti, is iyong solar power irrigation na we will be installing in certain areas as soon as possible,'' he added. 

It was in July 2023 when weather agency PAGASA declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon in the Tropical Pacific, with its effects expected in the Philippines.

PAGASA said a “strong” El Niño phenomenon is currently in effect and will continue to be experienced until February this year.

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has urged concerned government agencies to prioritize the completion of water supply projects amid the El Niño phenomenon. —VAL, GMA Integrated News