In response to the increasing high heat index in Camalig, Albay, members of LGU-Camalig’s El Niño Task Force started rolling out their El Niño preparedness and mitigation plan, purposely to ensure total health and public safety in the town.

 

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (MDRRMO) chief, Mr. Rommel V. Negrete, Jr., PhD, JD, D Hum highlighted the urgency of the situation with the recording of low or below-normal rainfall, pegged at a rain value of 272.14, from January to April. Said dry spell, coupled with the hot weather, necessitates immediate interventions according to the disaster risk reduction head.

 

Despite Camalig’s relatively lower temperatures compared to neighboring town of Daraga and Legazpi City due to its richer foilage, the current heat which soars to a sweltering 36 degrees Celsius remains a serious concern, opting the local government to formulate intervention priorities to address said challenging heat conditions.

 

These include the development of water resources, regulation of water usage, the establishment of a local water regulatory board, ground water monitoring, recharge strategies, improved storage and post-harvest practices, well drilling, wastewater recycling, and the promotion of alternate livelihoods. In addition to these measures, there are plans to bolster suitable livestock production through comprehensive animal health programs.

 

The El Niño Task Force, comprised of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Office (MENRO), North and South Public Schools Districts Supervisors (PSDSs), and the Camalig Water District (CWD), also reported that various interventions are already underway, with more planned for the future.