DENR orders MGB to prepare for La Niña

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered its attached agency, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and its field offices to prepare for the impact of the La Niña phenomenon.

The DENR issued the order after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that the La Niña phenomenon would start to affect the country in August.

DENR Undersecretaries for field operations Juan Miguel Cuna and Joselin Marcus Fragada directed all MGB regional directors to activate their operation centers and assist in pre-disaster risk assessments, as well as coordinate with the Office of Civil Defense in their localities.

The MGB was advised to equip local government units (LGUs) with updated geohazard maps and conduct information, education and communication activities in anticipation of La Niña.

“The mine safety and health standard provides for the creation of a multipartite monitoring team composed of representatives from the MGB, LGUs, mining companies, Environmental Management Bureau and other agencies tasked to check environment and safety measures at mining sites,” Cuna said.

He said mining companies were ordered to employ at least one full-time safety engineer and inspector to oversee the implementation of safety measures at the sites.

PAGASA said La Niña increases the likelihood of above normal rainfall conditions in some areas of the country.