A member of the House of Representatives has filed a formal resolution seeking an immediate legislative inquiry into the government’s operational readiness to mitigate the severe economic, agricultural, and social impacts expected from an intensifying El Niño cycle.
The proposed probe aims to evaluate inter-agency resource allocation, agricultural relief protocols, and water resource management strategies prepared by frontline executive agencies. Lawmakers noted that early parliamentary scrutiny is critical to ensuring that state emergency funds and agricultural subsidies are properly positioned before widespread drought damages rural livelihoods.
Legislators highlighted that prolonged dry conditions threaten crop yields in major rice- and corn-producing provinces, which could escalate domestic food prices if left unaddressed. The inquiry will scrutinize the status of government mitigation projects, including deep-well rehabilitation, cloud-seeding readiness, irrigation system repairs, and cold-storage facility readiness.
“Dapat nating tiyakin na bago pa man tumama ang malalang tagtuyot ay handa na ang ating mga contingency plan at ayuda para sa ating mga magsasaka,” legislative representatives said.
They also said committee hearings will focus on identifying institutional bottlenecks and establishing clear operational benchmarks across participating departments.
“Hindi natin pwedeng hantayin na matuyo ang mga taniman bago kumilos ang pamahalaan,” they added.
The House panel is expected to schedule briefing sessions with cabinet secretaries to review regional disaster management plans. Findings from the inquiry will guide legislative proposals to strengthen climate resilience and ensure long-term food security.