Not just global warming
Storm “Chedeng” is expected to enter the country today, bringing much-needed rain, according to weather forecasters. The question is whether the rain will fall over areas now stricken by drought in Central Luzon and the northern regions. Yesterday the governor of Cagayan placed the province under a state of calamity. This means the entire Cagayan Valley, which accounts for 40 percent of the country’s rice production, is now under a calamity state because of the drought.Blame global warming; weather around the planet has been bizarre this year. Farmers in this tropical archipelago worry more often about torrential rains and floods than long dry spells. But blame poor agricultural infrastructure as well. Droughts are not rare even in this country that serves as the welcome mat for typhoons hitting Southeast Asia. This is supposed to be the wet season, and southern Luzon has been experiencing downpours almost daily. But the rainfall cannot be contained in catchments and diverted to areas where water is needed. Another problem: irrigation systems in the farming areas of Luzon are inadequate and ill-suited for emergency situations.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the National Irrigation Administration gets an annual budget of P200 million – an amount that is insufficient for the repair and maintenance of irrigation facilities nationwide. The budget has been increased, but by the time the needed funding is released, the weather is likely to have changed and there would be other agricultural priorities. And by the time the results of additional funds are felt, the drought would have done its worst.
It’s too late for any infusion of irrigation funds to save this season’s crops. But after seeing the consequences of the ongoing drought, the government should learn enough to be prepared for the next dry spell. World weather patterns are changing dramatically, and the country is likely to see more devastating droughts in the coming years. The government will have to invest in improved water resource management and irrigation facilities if it wants to prevent more agricultural disasters.
