Around P183.41 million in relief supplies have been prepared by the government to ready Central Luzon for possible La Niña impact, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This includes P5 million in standby funds, P155.2 million for 204,577 food packs, and P23.1 million for non-food items.
“And now, with the rainy season coming, your government is also prepared for whatever effects it may bring,” Mr. Marcos said during aid distribution to farmers and fisherfolk in Aurora.
He also highlighted the Aguang River Flood Control Structure Project in Baler, which aims to protect lives and properties from flooding during heavy rains.
Aurora and Nueva Ecija will see near-normal rainfall this month, with below-normal levels in other provinces. By August and September, near-normal rainfall is expected across Central Luzon, with above-normal levels projected in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales by November.
The entire region is forecasted to experience above-normal rainfall from October to December.
The President addressed the impact of El Niño, which caused P367.54 million in agricultural losses for 4,402 farmers in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac.
Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga pledged on Friday to address the impacts of climate change not only in the Philippines but globally. This announcement follows the Philippines’ selection as the host nation for the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) board.
Loyzaga said this is a welcome development for the Philippines as one of the countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
“The Loss and Damage Fund is a long-fought struggle to directly assist those who bear the greatest impact of climate-induced losses and damage to recover and build. We take on this responsibility in solidarity with all countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” she said.
Loyzaga emphasized the unique challenges faced by the Philippines, citing its geography within the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Typhoon Belt, which exposes it to frequent and severe natural disasters.
“Our large growing population and our steady economic growth are factors resulting in the singular distinction of being among the world’s countries at highest risk for several years running,” according to Loyzaga.
“While this distinction is by no means enviable, it also highlights the reality that climate hazards are a fact of life for all Filipinos,” she added.
Loyzaga suggested that these challenges are why the Philippines has become a strong advocate for climate-vulnerable countries.
The LDF Board was established to support countries struggling to cope with the impacts of climate change, particularly those unable to meet the demands of the Paris Agreement.
“This is an essential step for us to take, especially for those climate vulnerable countries in the world,” Loyzaga said.
“Our being chosen as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board is a choice really for all climate vulnerable countries. The Philippines has always been and will continue to be in firm solidarity with all climate vulnerable and developing countries on this issue,” she noted.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Gov’t readies P183-M relief supplies for possible ‘La Niña’ impact in Central Luzon.”
