ILAGAN CITY, Isabela — Isabela is putting up more than P1.8 billion worth of defense against El Niño, mobilizing funds and resources to keep food and water supplies flowing, protect farmers and safeguard public health as heat and drought threaten the province.
Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” T. Albano III ordered the province-wide response during a dialogue at the Emergency Operations Center attended by Vice-Governor Francis Faustino A. Dy, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and national government officials in the Cagayan Valley.
The “One-Isabela Integrated Effort” brings together agriculture, irrigation, health, social welfare and disaster-response agencies to cushion communities from worsening dry conditions.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government will provide hybrid rice and corn seeds, fertilizers and livestock assistance, while irrigation systems will be rehabilitated and Small Water Impounding Projects built. Cloud seeding will also be pursued with the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management and the state weather agency to boost water supplies.
Health and social protection measures include “Libreng Tubig sa Tagtuyot,” barangay health emergency kits and mobile clinics for heat-related illnesses. The Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide emergency cash assistance, while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will distribute family food packs and implement Project LAWA and BINHI for drought-hit farmers.
The Office of Civil Defense and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will also strengthen early warning systems and emergency response.
Mr. Dy and the provincial board pledged full support for the integrated effort as Isabela braces for what could be a prolonged spell of heat and drought. — Artemio A. Dumlao