The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened its second quarter meeting on June 9, 2026, at the PDRRMO conference room, Capitol Site, Borongan City, with 25 members present, constituting a quorum.
The meeting focused on agency preparedness and action plans in response to the possible impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.
Representatives from DOST-PAGASA reported that the province is currently under El Niño alert status, with climate models indicating an 82 percent probability of El Niño developing during the May-July season and a 92 percent probability during the June-August season.
PAGASA noted that while ENSO-neutral conditions prevail over the tropical Pacific, El Niño is likely to emerge soon and may persist until early 2027. Despite the potential dry conditions, tropical cyclones may still affect the country during the period.
The Provincial Health Office highlighted the importance of water conservation and preventive measures against diseases such as diarrhea to minimize potential outbreaks during prolonged dry spells.
The Bureau of Fire Protection reported that 25 fire stations are currently operational across the province, noting that the municipalities of Mercedes and Maydolong remain without fire stations.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services reported that approximately 4,000 hectares of rice lands are covered by irrigation systems and presented pre-El Niño preparedness measures for the agriculture sector.
The Provincial Veterinary Office discussed the potential effects of El Niño on livestock and outlined its preparedness plans.
Other member agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Trade and Industry, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the 502nd Community Defense Center, and the PDRRMO, presented their respective preparedness and response measures.
The PNP also announced the creation of monitoring teams to support El Niño preparedness efforts.
The meeting included a presentation on the province’s renewable energy roadmap, which aims to promote sustainable and reliable energy sources while strengthening Eastern Samar’s resilience to climate-related challenges and future energy demands.
A key recommendation from the meeting was the creation of a Provincial El Niño Task Force that will consolidate the action plans of member agencies and submit a unified preparedness strategy to the regional level for immediate implementation.
The meeting was presided over by PDRRMO Head Engr. Thomas Campomanes and was briefly attended by Vice Gov. Maricar Sison-Goteesan, who represented Gov. RV Evardone. (TAC-GBP)
