DA prepares for more destructive La Niña

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing for a “more destructive” La Niña even as El Niño continues to affect the agriculture sector.

- BELLA CARIASO

At a press conference yesterday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary U-Nichols Manalo noted that the DA has started its La Niña preparations by looking into areas severely affected by La Niña in the past.

“For the past 25 years, based on our record, we have had at least eight El Niño, meaning the current El Niño that we are experiencing is the eighth. For La Niña, if ever it will arrive, it will be the 17th. As early as now, we are preparing,” Manalo said.

“You do the math. The damage is bigger for La Niña and it is always on rice, corn and high-value crops,” Manalo said.

He added that like with El Niño, they are focusing on the management of water for irrigation during La Niña, when there will be an excess of water.

The DA is currently coordinating with concerned local government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to prepare for the threat of La Niña, he said.