LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The province of Ilocos Norte is now preparing for the possible effects of La Niña in the province to mitigate big damages and losses during typhoons and flooding.
During the second quarter council meeting on June 14, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRM) Council approved the recommendation on the utilization of an additional five percent of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund for 2024.
In the resolution passed by the council, a total of P110,379,776.44 will be utilized for disaster management.
“The 70 percent of the budget will be allotted for disaster preparedness, prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery, while the other 30 percent will be appropriated for the province’s quick response fund,” Marcel Tabije, local disaster risk reduction and management officer, said.
A total of P2,000,000 will be used to procure medicines, vaccines, dengue testing kits, first aid kits, and other medical and hygiene supplies.
Further, P750,000 will also be allotted for the purchase and installment of fluorescent microscope for antibody test for rabies.
Meanwhile, P800,000 will be used for the provision of emergency shelter assistance including construction materials and other forms of assistance and P650,000 will be allotted for the Crop Rescue Project which includes the provision of fuel subsidies to farmers, tractor, and harvest services, assistance in hauling crops from farm to market outlets, and other agricultural services during times of calamities.
Additionally, P420,000 will be used for the construction of dig, deep, and shallow wells to increase water supply throughout the year and lastly, P223,341.72 is allotted for the purchase of plastic drums for storing and back-pack sprayers.
A total of P1,08,575.02 will also be utilized for logistical assistance for emergency, rescue, and relief operations and P1,000,000 will be given for the acquisition of emergency relief goods, food packs, and non-food supplies.
The resolution will be presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval of the budget.
Rochelle Gajes, acting provincial social welfare and development officer, assured that the relief packs prepositioned in the province will be enough for the next quarter.
“For the food items, we have 7,450 food packs ready from the provincial fund and 343 food packs from the donation of NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines). We also have 284 bags of 5kg of rice, 620 sacks of 50kg of NFA rice, 488 bags of 10kg ofrice, and 900 packs of 5kg ofrice. We also have available non-food items like blankets, towels, slippers, mats, jackets ready,” she said.
Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos instructed the PSWDO to immediately distribute food packs to fisherfolks during typhoons to avoid any accidents at sea.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) activated their La Niña watch on June 4.
According to the forecast presented by Engr. Cynthia Iglesia, chief meteorological officer of PAGASA Laoag, the province will experience generally below normal rainfall this June to July, near normal rainfall in August to September, above normal or near normal rainfall in October, and will go back to below normal to near normal by November 2024. (MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
