MITIGATING EL NIÑO. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (in white shirt) graces the launch of the “Gift of Tree” mobile application in Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on March 13, 2024. Teodoro, also sitting as Task Force El Niño chair, cited the need for more sustainable facilities, such as water impounding systems, to cushion the impact of the weather phenomenon. (Photo courtesy of the DND)
MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. cited the need for more sustainable solutions, such as water impounding systems, to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
Teodoro, also chairperson of the government's Task Force El Niño, made the remark at the launch of the “Gift of Tree” mobile application in Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on March 13, the DND said in a news release on Friday.
He added that these sustainable facilities would not only safeguard the environment but also the well-being of communities.
"We need more dams and water impounding systems. We are doing our share to protect the environment, and to have disaster risk reduction, we are talking already about quality of life, health, and public safety,” Teodoro said.
A water impounding system is a reservoir designed to store rainfall and run-off during the rainy season for future use.
Teodoro also urged local government officials and the public to appeal to national leaders to carefully study locations for future water-impounding projects in Tarlac.
He noted the importance of considering the “sustainability and safety of downstream communities” and the role of these projects in securing the province's future.
Meanwhile, the app is part of the agri-reforestation project between the Philippine Army's Armor Division and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation (THF) dubbed “Water is Life.”
It aims to provide users easy access to sponsor a seedling for tree planting activities.
Teodoro also assured that the government continues to implement a comprehensive approach to mitigate the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.
He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to lead the launch of a portal that would serve as a vital tool in collecting data to navigate through the water supply shortages in the country. (PNA)
