01/10/2026
📰 3rd Quarter PDRRMC Meeting: Kalinga Maps Out El Niño Response, Reviews ASF and Road Safety
TABUK CITY, KALINGA — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Kalinga convened its 3rd Quarter Full Council Meeting on September 25, 2026, at the PDRRMC Operation Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City. Provincial Legal Officer John Paul Baguiwan presided over the meeting on behalf of Vice Governor Dave Odiem, who served as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Governor while Governor James Edduba is on official overseas travel.
A key highlight of the meeting was the weather briefing from Romeo Ganal Jr., Senior Weather Specialist at PAGASA Northern Luzon Regional Services Division, who confirmed that a Very Strong El Niño is expected to affect Kalinga from October 2026 through the first quarter of 2027, with conditions unfolding in stages:
- October 2026 — Below-normal rainfall
- November–December 2026 — Yellow alert: potential for dry spell
- January–March 2027 — Red alert: potential for drought
In response, DILG Kalinga Provincial Director Mayer Max Adong stressed the urgent need to fully implement intervention and mitigating measures across the province.
📊 Interventions Presented During the Meeting
- Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services — Reported distribution of solar-powered irrigation systems and water pump engine sets to farmers. Drought-resistant corn, rice, and vegetable seeds are also available.
- National Irrigation Authority (NIA) – Kalinga, led by Division Manager Engr. Ferdinand Indammog — Shared that desilting of main and lateral canals under the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS) has been completed, benefiting around 16,000 hectares of farmland in Pinukpuk, Tabuk City, and parts of Quezon and Mallig, Isabela.
📌 Other Matters Discussed During the Meeting
- African Swine Fever (ASF) — Council noted recent outbreaks in Tabuk City. The matter was referred to the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian to identify coordinated council-wide interventions.
- Road Safety — Members discussed the installation of road signages and road improvements in areas frequently prone to vehicular accidents and traffic incidents.
PDRRMO Officer Christian T. Luyaben concluded the meeting by affirming the Council’s full alert status, emphasizing that coordination lines remain open across all agencies to ensure timely, unified response to all emerging concerns.
