THE Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened its second Full Council Meeting on May 28, 2026, at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol.
Presiding over the meeting was Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, gathering representatives from national government agencies, provincial offices, and key stakeholders to discuss disaster preparedness measures and the anticipated effects of El Niño in Bohol.
One of the key discussions during the meeting was the weather outlook presented by PAGASA-Bohol Head Leonard Samar.
Samar reported that El Niño is likely to develop soon, with an 82 percent probability from May to July 2026, and is expected to persist until early 2027.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas presented the current El Niño situation affecting the province’s agriculture sector. He noted that extreme weather conditions, coupled with global economic disruptions, continue to impact local farmers and agricultural productivity.
Pamugas also reported that the province currently maintains a rice inventory estimated to last for 169 days, helping ensure food security amid the expected dry spell.
To mitigate the possible impacts of El Niño, the council approved the recommendation of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) to support cloud seeding operations as part of the province’s intervention measures.
Meanwhile, Engr. Rico Bato-on of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) presented updates on the condition of irrigation systems in Bohol. According to his report, about 59 percent of irrigation service areas in the province are vulnerable to El Niño’s effects.
Dr. Meydallyn Paman, head of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), also discussed the possible effects of prolonged dry conditions on livestock production across the province.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) representative Rjee Gift Lim presented the Enhanced Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan for 2026–2031, aimed at strengthening the province’s disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies in the coming years.
Updates and issuances from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) were also presented by LGOO II Meah Hecell Nisnisan-Genovia. She emphasized the directive for local government units to establish local task forces focused on El Niño preparedness and response.
PDRRMO likewise presented updates on the proposed tapping of electrical power sources for CCTV systems installed on electric posts throughout the province.
Provincial Budget and Managment Office Head Peter Ross Retutal reported on the status and balances of donations received for provincial programs and emergency response initiatives.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Fruserma Uy also presented health advisories related to extreme heat and reported that no fatalities related to extreme heat have been recorded in the province.
As the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol continues to strengthen its commitment to disaster resilience through proactive planning, inter-agency collaboration, and sustainable environmental management. (PR)
