Bong Go urges preemptive action as El Niño puts 106 areas under state of calamity

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called for intensified and preemptive government action as worsening El Niño conditions have placed 106 cities and municipalities across five regions under a state of calamity, affecting hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and inflicting billions of pesos in agricultural losses.

Go stressed that government agencies and local government units must act before drought, water shortages, crop failures, health emergencies, and other effects of the weather phenomenon become more severe.

“Hindi natin dapat hintayin na lumala pa ang sitwasyon bago tayo kumilos. Habang maaga, dapat nakahanda na ang tubig, pagkain, serbisyong pangkalusugan, ayuda at iba pang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” Go said.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 106 areas in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Bicol, SOCCSKSARGEN and Caraga have declared states of calamity due to intensifying dry conditions.

The NDRRMC reported that 104,149 families, equivalent to 388,375 individuals, have been affected. Agricultural damage and production losses have reached an estimated ₱5.56 billion, while 201,322 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected nationwide.

More than 223,000 hectares of agricultural land have also sustained damage, including over 41,000 hectares where crops were considered completely lost.

Go expressed particular concern for farmers and fisherfolk whose livelihoods are directly exposed to prolonged drought and extreme weather.

“Kapag nasira ang pananim o naapektuhan ang pangingisda, hindi lang produksyon ang nawawala. Kabuhayan at pang-araw-araw na pagkain ng buong pamilya ang nakataya. Kaya dapat mabilis at sapat ang tulong sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” he said.

The senator welcomed ongoing efforts to provide fuel, fertilizer, seeds, transportation and other forms of assistance to the agriculture sector, while urging concerned agencies to ensure that support reaches affected communities without unnecessary delays.

The Department of Agriculture has said that ₱6.2 billion has already been released under its UPLIFT program for farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño. Additional interventions being prepared include solar irrigation systems, solar pumps, solar aerators, biofertilizer, fuel subsidies and other measures aimed at sustaining agricultural and fishery production amid water shortages.

Go emphasized the need for government to continuously assess conditions on the ground and adjust interventions according to the needs of individual communities.

“Dapat nakatutok tayo sa aktwal na pangangailangan sa bawat lugar. Kung tubig ang problema, siguraduhin nating may access sila sa tubig. Kung kabuhayan ang naapektuhan, dapat may agarang suporta. Kung may nagkakasakit dahil sa matinding init, dapat handa ang ating health facilities,” he said.

Go also warned that prolonged periods of extreme heat, changing rainfall patterns and water scarcity can create conditions favorable to a wider range of public health problems.

Changes in temperature, humidity and rainfall can influence the organisms and vectors responsible for infectious diseases. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria are particularly sensitive to these environmental conditions, while disruptions in water availability and sanitation can increase the risk of water- and food-borne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid.

Past experience has underscored these risks. During the severe El Niño episode in 1998, the Philippines recorded around 40,000 dengue cases, approximately 1,200 cholera cases and nearly 1,000 typhoid cases nationwide.

Other health effects associated with prolonged extreme heat and changing climatic conditions include possible increases in leptospirosis, schistosomiasis, respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as heat-related conditions including dehydration, heat stress, heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

Go therefore urged health agencies and local governments to strengthen disease surveillance, maintain adequate supplies of medicines and medical equipment, ensure access to safe drinking water, and prepare health facilities for a possible increase in patients suffering from heat-related and infectious diseases.

He also called on the public to conserve water and remain vigilant against the health risks associated with extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions, particularly among children, senior citizens, outdoor workers and individuals with existing medical conditions.

As an advocate for stronger disaster preparedness, Go continues to push for the establishment of a Department of Disaster Resilience through Senate Bill No. 173. The proposed department seeks to establish a dedicated government agency focused on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation.

He also highlighted Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, adequately equipped evacuation centers to provide safer shelter to communities affected by disasters.

“Ang kalamidad hindi lang bagyo, lindol o baha. Kasama rito ang matinding tagtuyot at iba pang epekto ng pagbabago ng klima. Kailangan handa ang gobyerno sa lahat ng uri ng sakuna,” Go said.

He reiterated that disaster response must ultimately focus on protecting lives and ensuring that vulnerable Filipinos are not left without basic services, medical assistance or livelihood support.

“Buhay, kalusugan at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan ang dapat unahin. Magtulungan tayo at siguraduhing walang Pilipinong mapapabayaan habang hinaharap natin ang epekto ng El Niño,” he concluded.

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