In order to prepare for the upcoming El Niño phenomenon in the region of Mimaropa, the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health (RIACEH) recently held a meeting to discuss the region’s preparedness and response strategies.
The committee focused on assessing the potential impacts of the climate pattern on the region’s water supply, agriculture, and public health sectors.
Experts from concerned agencies predict that El Niño could bring prolonged dry spells and significantly warmer temperatures, which could adversely affect crop production, water resources, and increase the risk of health issues among the population.
Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Mimaropa Regional Director and the committee chairperson Dr. Mario S. Baquilod led the activity together with the environmental and occupational health cluster.
“The primary objective of the meeting is to synergize the efforts and resources of the concerned agencies to mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño,” said Baquilod.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) presented the critical areas that are going to be severely affected by the El Niño. The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Mimaropa presented the regional contingency plan in hopes of mitigating the effects of El Niño in the region.
On the public health front, the DOH Mimaropa Health Emergency Management Section (HEMS) and the Center for Regional Epidemiology and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) highlighted the importance of heatstroke prevention and the management of water-borne diseases, which tend to rise during dry spells.
The committee ensured that they will be working hand in hand with other concerned agencies to oversee the situation in order to come up with plans suited to address possible dilemmas brought about by the upcoming El Niño. (JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA)
