CITY OF MALOLOS — Provincial Government of Bulacan led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando convening the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to establish an El Niño Task Force to protect the province from potential water shortages, agricultural losses, and public health risks as the government ramps up preparations for the looming climate threat.
The meeting, held at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here on Thursday (Oct. 8), focused on strengthening the province’s readiness to the ipact of Super El Niño in the province.
“Hindi natin dapat hintaying maramdaman ang kakulangan sa tubig, pinsala sa kabuhayan, at panganib sa kalusugan bago tayo kumilos. Ang ating prayoridad ay mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga Bulakenyo, lalo na ang ating mga magsasaka, mga pamilyang maaaring kapusin sa tubig, at mga sektor na higit na mahihirapang makayanan ang matinding init,” the governor said.
During the meeting, the council discussed and approved the proposed executive order establishing an El Niño Task Force, with the governor as chairperson and the Provincial Science and Technology Office as co-chairperson.
The task force will have the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) leading Food Security; Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), Water Security; Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), Energy Security; Provincial Health Office–Public Health (PHO-PH), Health Security; and Department of the Interior and Local Government–Bulacan, Safety Security. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will serve as the secretariat.
“Kailangang malinaw ang tungkulin ng bawat tanggapan, ang mga pangangailangan sa pondo at kagamitan, at ang sistema ng koordinasyon sa mga lungsod, bayan, barangay, at katuwang na ahensiya. Bawat plano ay dapat may tiyak na responsable, takdang panahon, at malinaw na pangangailangan sa resources,” the governor added.
Julie M. Nimes, Weather Specialist II of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), briefed the council on the El Niño climate advisory. Based on the outlook presented, Bulacan may experience dry conditions by the end of November 2026, a dry spell from December 2026 to January 2027, and drought from February to March 2027. The projections will guide the province’s preparedness measures and coordination with concerned agencies.
The PDRRMO, PAO, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, BENRO, PHO-PH, Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office, Department of Trade and Industry–Bulacan, Department of Education Schools Division of Bulacan, Bureau of Fire Protection, Manila Electric Company, and National Irrigation Administration also presented their preparedness measures.
Fernando emphasized that the meeting must translate into timely, concrete action to help communities prepare and sustain essential services.
“Ang sukatan ng pulong na ito ay ang mga hakbang na maipatutupad natin pagkatapos nito. Nakasalalay sa ating maagap at sama-samang pagkilos ang kaligtasan, kabuhayan, at kapakanan ng maraming pamilyang Bulakenyo,” the governor said. (UnliNews Online)
