Malacañang stated on Tuesday, November 10, that there are currently no plans to declare a state of calamity due to the El Niño phenomenon, as ongoing government interventions are addressing the needs of affected residents.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that current efforts are sufficient to manage the situation.
”Sa ngayon ay wala pang ganoong iniisip na pagdideklara dahil natutugunan sa ngayon ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.
Government Interventions and Monitoring
Castro detailed several measures implemented by various agencies, including mobile solar-powered irrigation systems from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is providing aid to affected farmers and citizens, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) is conducting cloud seeding and distributing drought-resistant seeds.
While a state of calamity is not on the table at the moment, Castro emphasized that these efforts are under continuous review.
”So, again titingnan ang lahat ng posisyon na ito kung kinakailangan magdeklara ng state of calamity,” she stated.
According to Castro, the Office of the Executive Secretary recently convened with involved agencies to ensure coordinated action.
”Although may mga interventions na pong ginagawa ang gobyerno pero kailangan na paulit-ulit na tutukan kung ano pa ang maaaring ibigay natin at maging solusyon sa epekto ng very strong El Niño,” Castro added.
She also conveyed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintains confidence in the agencies’ responses.
”Sa ngayon ay kampante ang Pangulo na kumikilos ang DA at ang lahat ng ahensiya para sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.
Responding to a Senate resolution urging the declaration of a state of calamity or a state of imminent disaster in affected areas, Castro welcomed the suggestion as a sign of legislative support for government initiatives.