Malacañang on Friday reminded government agencies to keep their Christmas celebrations simple and continue implementing austerity measures amid the anticipated impact of a potentially strong El Niño phenomenon.
Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said existing austerity measures are still in effect, stressing the need to prioritize government resources for more pressing concerns, including preparations for El Niño.
“Kaya ang dapat ng mga Christmas parties ay hindi man natin ipag-utos, pero ang reminder is dapat na maging simple dahil mas maraming pa tayong kakaharapin na mga issues na dapat na matugunan (That is why for Christmas parties, while we are not issuing an order, we are reminding government agencies to keep them simple because we still have many issues that need to be addressed),” Castro said.
She stressed that the national government would continue responding to the needs of affected provinces, municipalities, and communities to ease the difficulties brought about by the weather phenomenon.
She said the government is identifying areas likely to be hardest hit to ensure that assistance and resources are prioritized for communities most in need.
Castro cited Cagayan Valley as among the areas already experiencing significant effects, particularly the farmers.
She said the government has provided mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps to help farmers sustain agricultural production amid limited water supply.
She added that the government is open to reviewing the priorities of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to help local government units (LGUs) finance their El Niño preparations.
Castro emphasized the importance of giving LGUs flexibility in utilizing their resources to prepare for the expected effects of the phenomenon.
“Ngayon habang tumatagal itong nararanasan natin sa very strong El Niño, mas nakikita natin kung saan iyong pinakamatinding epekto nito (As we continue to experience the very strong El Niño, we are getting a clearer picture of which areas are being hit hardest),” she said.
She said government assistance may be adjusted as the effects of El Niño become clearer and more areas experience its impact.
“Kung mas nakakaranas ang iba pa habang tumatagal ang araw at ang panahon, mas mag-a-adjust of course ng tulong ang gobyerno sa nasabing lugar o bayan o probinsiya para mas mapagaan ang nararamdaman nilang hirap dulot nitong (As other areas experience its effects over time, the government will adjust its assistance to the affected localities, towns or provinces to ease the difficulties caused by the) very strong El Niño,” Castro said. (PNA)