Government urged: Expedite renewable energy plan for dry spells

MANILA, Philippines — There is an urgent need for the government to expedite its plans for the utilization of renewable energy, which the country needs in the long term, most especially the vulnerable agriculture sector regularly battered by recurring long dry spells, a congressman said.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who chairs the House of Representatives appropriations committee, suggested that it is necessary for the Marcos administration to take proactive measures to “mitigate” the potential adverse effects of El Niño phenomenon.

“The proposed solar-powered irrigation facility, coupled with an advanced fertigation (fertilizer incorporated in irrigation) system, holds great promise in ensuring an uninterrupted and environment-friendly water supply for our farmers,” Co said.

“We can harness the power of renewable energy to ensure efficient water usage and enhance crop productivity. We can empower our farmers with sustainable and efficient methods to overcome the challenges posed by El Niño and maximize their agricultural output,” he added.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared earlier this month the onset of El Niño in the country and that it may intensify in the coming months until the first quarter of 2024.

The drought is expected to bring hotter days as it may affect rainfall patterns in various provinces that may result in decreased water supply, resulting in extended long dry spells that may affect food security due to the damage it will bring to crops.

Co cited, for instance, solar-powered water supply systems that could help ascertain reliable access to clean water, especially in impoverished, far-flung and upland communities.

Adverse impacts

Senior administration lawmakers earlier called on the national government to prepare for the incoming extended dry spell or El Niño and its adverse impacts on various sectors, like food security, among many others.

Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto said the Marcos administration should start a proactive stand and address the threat of El Niño by adopting a whole-of-government approach, if only to ensure food security and spare farmers of the serious problem.

“Scarcity in water leads to scarcity in food. This is not an alarmist statement. It is a fact, because without water, you cannot grow food,” Recto warned, urging a comprehensive nationwide response to the possible impact of an extended drought.

“One big motivating factor” for President Marcos to commission an El Niño response strategy “is that El Niño will hit a sector which is under his jurisdiction – agriculture,” according to the former senator.

“This is because our agriculture sector already has pre-existing comorbidities. On top of this is the recent combined fuel-fertilizer crisis. Foul weather should not be the third,” Recto cautioned.

For Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles, the national government, in coordination or with the help of local government units (LGUs) across the country, should undertake a massive nationwide tree-planting program to help lessen the impact of the extended dry season.

“Tree planting is an excellent communal activity that has a positive effect, and I hope more local leaders will organize and engage in this activity so that we can restore our country’s greenness,” Nograles said.

He called on LGUs – from regions, provinces, cities and all the way down to municipalities – to continue planting trees to help mitigate the harsh effects of the weather phenomenon.