Amid possible water crisis

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, member of Senate Committees on Agriculture and on Environment, has urged the government to strengthen its reforestation and greening programs as the reported possibility of a water crisis looms.

In an ambush interview after aiding fire victims in Parañaque City on Wednesday, April 12, Go highlighted the importance of enhancing the country’s greening efforts, involving local communities, local government units, and private sectors to address the growing concerns over the country’s water supply.

“Kung mas marami pong puno sa kabundukan natin, mas maraming tubig ulan ang maaaring maiimbak natin sa lupa,” explained Go.

Go acknowledged the move of the previous administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte to make irrigation free for farmers.

However, he emphasized that the incoming El Niño phenomenon may make it difficult to release sufficient volume of water from dams, affecting the farmers’ ability to plant their crops.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration has issued a warning that the country may experience El Niño starting in the latter part of this year and persisting until 2024.

The weather phenomenon can cause a prolonged drought and significantly impact the country’s agricultural sector, which is a vital source of livelihood for many Filipinos.

The senator expressed concern for the plight of farmers and called on government agencies to take action. He called on the government to enhance and build more water-related infrastructures, such as irrigation canals and water pumping stations, to help support the agriculture industry.

“Alam n’yo, tumitindi na po ang epekto ng climate change. Hindi natin maasahan 100% ang ulan para mag-irrigate ng ating mga lupang sakahan, lalo na po sa panahon ng summer na tagtuyot,” he said.

Go also called on the Department of Agriculture to provide alternative sources of income or assistance to farmers affected by the water crisis.

“May pondo naman po ang ating Department of Agriculture na tulungan po ang mga farmers, ang mga maliliit na farmers po na isang kahig, isang tuka,” he said.

As part of its 2023 El Niño Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, the DA has announced that it will promote several measures to help farmers cope with the anticipated drought.

These measures include encouraging the use of organic fertilizers, promoting the use of drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops, and adjusting planting calendars to optimize crop yields.

A consistent advocate for stronger agricultural support systems and infrastructure in the country, Go co-authored Republic Act No. 11901, which expanded the financing system for agriculture, fisheries, and rural development.

He also supported programs to enhance irrigation, expand the National Rice Program, and combat agricultural smuggling.

Additionally, he backed proposals to convert idle government lands into agricultural areas to boost food production. The senator emphasized the vital role of farmers in ensuring food security and aims to provide them with the necessary support to succeed.

Go likewise co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1850 or the proposed “New Agrarian Emancipation Act,” which seeks to condone almost PhP58 billion worth of loans that Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries incurred in owning lands under the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program or from other agrarian reform programs. The measure is now awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature to become a law.