We Never Learn! Specter Of Drought Looms, Govt In Panic Mode Again! “DA BRACES FOR EL NIÑO.”

This was the headline of a Philippine Star news today as PAGASA, the national weather agency, warns of another drought which could affect agriculture and fisheries, including the supply of drinking water.
“Braces” means to prepare for any eventuality.
How prepared are we for El Niño that could mean a drought which could last for six months as it did in 2016?
The only way to prepare for a long drought is to have enough supply of water for agriculture and for drinking.
We are not prepared for another El Niño because government failed to implement the recommendations made four years ago when a dry spell rendered parts of Metro Manila waterless.
I remember that at the height of the Metro Manila Water Crisis, then Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided over a crisis management meeting to craft measures to address the problem.
As Secretary of Agriculture, I remember submitting at least two major recommendations:
1. Endorsement of the Israel Loan Offer of P44-B to build Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems to irrigate 500,000 hectares;
2. Adoption of the proposal to undertake a National Water Conservation and Management Program which would build Sabo Dams, Catchment Basins and Mini-Reservoirs to hold run-off water during the rainy season.
Just like the many government initiatives during a crisis, everything was forgotten when the rains came and the water supply normalized.
Now, here we are again faced with another crisis.
Itaga nyo sa bato, magmi-meeting na naman ang NDRRMC at pag-usapan kung paano paghandaan ang parating na tagtuyot.
The ending of this story again would be to allocate calamity funds for water pumps, seeds and “Ayuda” to farmers whose farms will be affected by the drought.
No, this reaction will not solve the problem.
In fact, the use of the calamity funds will just be another cover and excuse for corruption.
It will only prolong the agony because government is reactive instead of being proactive.
May kasabihan ang mga matatanda: “Hindi kayo gagalaw hanggat hindi nasusunog ang mga puwet nyo.”
This is one of the tragedies that our country and our people have to perpetually suffer.
When will this end?
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!