WE ARE having a quite warm February now. The amihan this time around has been weak and short. We should all be ready for a dry spell in the next few months. The water utilities should be on alert for contingencies. Power interruptions could loom as well and brownouts could be high risk during the May elections voting and counting.
Daig ng maagap ang masipag. We have heard of assurances in years past but sadly we suffered from water shortages and waves of power interruptions.
The biggest challenge, however, is in the agriculture sector. Less rainfall means less water supply for irrigation. In 2015 according to the Department of Agriculture, the dry spell caused more than P2 billion worth of damage to agricultural products. This situation could also displace agricultural workers. In mitigation plans being drawn up by various national government agencies and local government units, livelihood assistance must be included. Workers in this sector actually suffer a double whammy. They not only lose their livelihood and income, they also suffer as consumers.
Our agriculture workers particularly in the rural areas are vulnerable and this is why the sector always had the highest poverty and underemployment incidence. They must be taught strategies to mitigate the impacts of a drought such as modified cropping calendar and pattern; planting of short gestating rice varieties; maximizing the utilization of effective rainfall; provision of water pumps; strict implementation of proper water management and water savings technology; reduction of water loss through canal lining and irrigation canals maintenance; and water recycling.
We cannot stop a dry spell. The most that we can do is prepare for its adverse effects in the agriculture sector. Let us observe simple, practical measures to efficiently use our water resource like gathering and storing rainwater for daily chores, using water dipper instead of shower when bathing, turning off faucets properly, and immediately repairing leaking pipes and running toilets, among others.
More importantly, with the changing environment due to climate change we have to be always prepared for future dry spells by implementing permanent mitigation measures such as establishment of rain harvesting and small water impounding facilities. This will contribute in securing the water requirements of our communities, particularly the farmers which are vital in our food security programs.
If we consolidate all efforts and do our share, we can surpass another dry season.
