MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has called for more comprehensive preparations for the possible effects of “Super El Niño,” stressing that the threat of prolonged drought cannot be addressed by simply collecting rainwater in pails and buckets, as suggested by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Speaking at the Araw ng Baungon celebration in Bukidnon on Wednesday, Duterte warned that extreme heat and drying rivers could threaten farmers, agricultural production, food supply and other sectors.
“Experts are now calling this Super El Niño. This means it could bring extreme heat, potentially drying up our land and rivers,” Duterte said.
“That is why this cannot be addressed by simply using pails and buckets. It is a major problem. When the land dries up, agriculture will suffer because our crops could be damaged,” she added.
DUTERTE URGES FARMERS TO PREPARE FOR DROUGHT
Duterte said farmers should prepare planting materials that can survive dry conditions and make contingency plans for possible disruptions to irrigation water supplies.
“If our farmers fail to prepare planting materials that can survive dry conditions or drought, and fail to prepare for the possibility of losing irrigation water, our food supply will be affected,” she said.
She warned that ordinary Filipinos could ultimately bear the burden of reduced agricultural production through higher food prices.
PALACE DEFENDS MARCOS’ RAINWATER COLLECTION SUGGESTION
Malacañang earlier defended Marcos’ suggestion that Filipinos collect rainwater in pails and buckets in anticipation of the possible effects of Super El Niño.
The proposal drew criticism on social media, with some users calling for a more comprehensive government response to the potential drought.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro hit back at critics whom she described as “obstructionists” who had nothing positive to say about Marcos and his policies.
“To the obstructionists, let me say this: We really do need buckets, buckets of brains, for you to understand the President’s plan,” Castro said.
DROUGHT COULD THREATEN FOOD SECURITY
Duterte’s remarks highlight concerns about the possible effects of prolonged dry conditions on water availability, irrigation and crop production.
A decline in agricultural output could threaten food supplies and push prices higher, affecting consumers nationwide.
The potential impacts underscore the importance of early preparations by the government and farmers, including conserving water, ensuring irrigation supplies and planting crops that can withstand drought.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon involving the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. In the Philippines, it can contribute to below-normal rainfall, hotter conditions and drought, although the severity and timing of its effects vary.
Preparations may include water conservation, efficient irrigation, drought-resilient crops and contingency measures to protect agricultural production and water supplies.