Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling on government agencies to initiate early preparations and stockpile relief supplies in anticipation of a severe El Niño, warning that prolonged dry spells could spike food prices and devastate farm-dependent livelihoods.
Highlighting the necessity of proactive measures, Pangilinan emphasized that vulnerable sectors must be prioritized to cushion the blow of the looming weather phenomenon.
“Ika nga, prevention is better than cure, di ba? Kesa tayo ay magturuan at magsisihan kapag nandiyan na ang problema, bakit hindi pa natin paghandaan ngayon? Alam naman nating paparating na ang Super El Niño at tiyak na tiyak na mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at mga low-income households ang unang-unang maaapektuhan,” he said.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, Pangilinan stressed that low-income households, farmers, fisherfolk, farm workers, and other at-risk demographics should anchor state contingency frameworks.
To counter the threat, he outlined an eight-point strategy designed to safeguard vulnerable communities, sustain agricultural production, and protect the national food supply.
Invoking Section 9 of Republic Act No. 12287, or the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, Pangilinan pointed out the legal mandate for advance deployment of food and non-food relief, mobilization of rapid response teams, and early interventions in high-risk areas.
He urged the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Office of Civil Defense, and local government units to formulate synchronized, area-specific readiness plans
“These plans must identify available supplies, storage and distribution facilities, transport arrangements, and personnel responsible for delivery. Water tankers, pumps, treatment equipment, and repair teams must also be readied for deployment where needed,” the senator said.
“Priority must be given to vulnerable households, with clear delivery schedules and safeguards to ensure that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries without unnecessary delay,” he added.
Pangilinan noted that agencies must audit current relief inventories, pinpoint high-risk barangays, optimize distribution channels, and secure replenishment mechanisms to bypass logistical bottlenecks. Critical priority groups include farmers, fisherfolk, impoverished families, children, pregnant and nursing mothers, older adults, persons with disabilities, and residents in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Beyond immediate relief, his comprehensive eight-point agenda entails proper disaster declarations, funding mobilization, safeguarding of farmlands and water networks, strict implementation of price controls, anti-profiteering and anti-hoarding crackdowns, livelihood assistance, and a public tracking system to guarantee accountability in government disaster responses.