ILOILO CITY — Western Visayas is reinforcing its preparedness measures against the anticipated effects of the El Niño phenomenon, with government agencies working together to ensure that communities, livelihoods, and essential services remain protected.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Western Visayas is currently consolidating the integrated action plans of national government agencies and local government units to establish a coordinated regional response that addresses the needs of all vulnerable sectors.

According to Office of Civil Defense Regional Director and RDRRMC Chair Raul Fernandez, the region is in a strong position to respond, having gained valuable experience from the El Niño event in 2024. Existing programs, projects, and preparedness initiatives are now being reviewed and strengthened to ensure comprehensive implementation.

"We will make sure that all government programs effectively cover every affected sector and that no community is left behind," Fernandez emphasized during a media forum on Wednesday.

Once participating agencies finalize their respective action plans, the RDRRMC's El Niño Task Group will convene to evaluate preparedness strategies, identify operational priorities, and synchronize interventions across various sectors.

To further enhance readiness, the council has already completed pre-disaster risk assessments and scenario-building exercises that examine the potential impacts of prolonged dry conditions on water resources, agriculture, energy supply, public health, and other critical services.

Fernandez underscored the importance of proactive planning, noting that early coordination enables government agencies and local government units to implement timely mitigation measures before the full effects of El Niño are felt.

The Philippine weather bureau continues to provide regular climate updates and forecasts, allowing authorities to make informed decisions and adjust response strategies as weather conditions evolve.

Beyond emergency preparedness, the RDRRMC is also promoting climate awareness through forums conducted in higher education institutions across the region. These engagements encourage students, educators, and researchers to participate in discussions on climate change adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable risk management. Technical assistance is likewise being extended to schools in developing contingency plans specifically designed for El Niño-related emergencies.

Through sustained collaboration, science-based planning, and community engagement, Western Visayas continues to strengthen its resilience and commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods, and minimizing the impacts of climate-related hazards.

NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA-PR