Govt steps up cloud-seeding, building irrigation systems

The national government has intensified cloud-seeding operations and allotted P1.3 billion for the construction of small-scale irrigation systems in the face of the dry weather expected to hit the country starting next month, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.

Authorities recently cautioned the public to brace for the El Nio dry weather phenomenon which may last until the first quarter of 2015. The weather phenomenon, characterized by reduced rainfall, may dry up farmlands, reservoirs, and waterways around the country.

The government is taking concerted action to ensure food security for our citizens and to mitigate the possible effects of the projected onset of the El Nio weather phenomenon in the country, Coloma said.

Coloma said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is coordinating with the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to intensify cloud-seeding operations to induce rain in major watersheds and drought-affected farming communities.

So far, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management has undertaken 15 such operation over the rain-deprived municipalities of Aglipay, Maddela, and Nagtipunan, and the Magat Watershed areas in Isabela, to save some 4,155 hectares of corn farms in the province.

The DA is setting up small water impounding facilities and building and repairing irrigation systems. It is also providing shallow tube wells and drought-tolerant crop varieties to the farmers.

On concerns that food prices may rise during the dry season, Coloma said the Department of Trade and Industry will be monitoring the prices and prevent any market violations.

Meantime, Malacaang reminded the public to conserve not only water but electricity as well. Government agencies should implement energy conservation measures, including limiting the use of aircondition units in offices, Coloma said.

Water saving ideas

Meanwhile, an environmental group, the Ecowaste Coalition, urged the public to heed the governments call to cut down on water consumption to avoid a possible water crisis.

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Govt steps up cloud-seeding, building irrigation systems