Bohol reinforced its climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives through the Provincial El Niño Task Force’s 2nd Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Meeting held on June 3, 2026, at Panda Tea Garden.
The meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency preparedness measures, mitigation initiatives, and coordination efforts in response to anticipated impacts of El Niño on agriculture, water resources, public health, the environment, energy, infrastructure, and other vulnerable sectors.
Anchored on Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2026, issued by the Office of Governor Aris Aumentado, the Provincial El Niño Task Force was created to strengthen collaboration among government agencies in formulating and implementing programs, projects, and interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of El Niño across the province.
The activity commenced with the formulation of strategic plans by the various working committees, followed by the presentation of proposed interventions and preparedness measures aligned with the province’s climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction goals.
Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog emphasized the need to consider not only water scarcity but also other factors and global developments that may affect local communities and the economy.
She underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive five-year strategic plan covering 2026 to 2030 and encouraged participating agencies to identify their respective roles and commitments in addressing the potential impacts of El Niño.
A key highlight of the meeting was the climate outlook presentation delivered by Weather Specialist I Ariel Abalos of the DOST-PAGASA Panglao Station.
Abalos reported that while ENSO-neutral conditions currently prevail over the Tropical Pacific, climate models indicate an 82 percent probability that El Niño will emerge between May and July 2026, increasing to a 92 percent probability during the June to August season and potentially persisting until early 2027.
He explained that most parts of the country are expected to experience near-normal rainfall conditions from June to September, although some western areas may receive above-normal rainfall during July and August.
However, near-normal to below-normal rainfall conditions are expected in October, while below-normal to way-below-normal rainfall conditions may affect several parts of the country in November.
Abalos also discussed the potential occurrence of dry conditions, dry spells, and drought, as well as the possible impacts of various weather systems that may affect the country in the coming months.
The meeting also featured committee reports covering health, consumer protection, early warning systems and information campaigns, energy and power, natural resources and water management, social services and relief, public works, and agriculture.
The presentations outlined sector-specific preparedness measures and intervention programs aimed at ensuring food security, protecting water resources, stabilizing essential commodity supply, strengthening public information campaigns, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing community resilience during the anticipated dry conditions.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, who presided over the afternoon session, emphasized the significance of proactive planning and coordination among agencies to ensure the province is adequately prepared for the possible impacts of El Niño.
She expressed appreciation to participating agencies and stakeholders for their commitment to developing strategic interventions and underscored the importance of collective action in protecting communities and livelihoods.
The consolidated outputs and recommendations of the working committees will be presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to further strengthen policy support and resource mobilization for El Niño preparedness initiatives. Also present during the meeting was Board Member Lucille Lagunay.
Aligned with the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, the activity concluded with a unified commitment among government agencies to strengthen climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable resource management through proactive planning and coordinated action across Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/MFM)
