Atty. Comafay seeks inquiry into Tabuk City preparations for Super El Niño in aid of legislation

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Atty. Errol B. Comafay Jr. has filed a proposed resolution seeking a legislative inquiry into the preparations being undertaken by the City Agriculture Office and City Veterinary Office for the possible impacts of a very strong El Niño.

Comafay said he submitted the Proposed Resolution at noon on September 18, 2026, and later posted information about it this afternoon.

The resolution seeks to determine what measures the two city offices are implementing to prepare for the phenomenon and what additional ordinances or legislative measures may be enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to help mitigate its effects.

Under the proposed resolution, the City Agriculturist, City Veterinarian and concerned farmers would be invited to a session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for an inquiry in aid of legislation.

El Niño threat

The proposal cited PAGASA's warning that the El Niño currently affecting the tropical Pacific may continue until the first half of 2027 and could reach a very strong state before the end of 2026. As of September 7, PAGASA classified the ongoing El Niño as moderate to strong and said it could lead to below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in some areas.

A very strong El Niño, sometimes referred to as “Super El Niño,” is associated with unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific. Its potential effects include prolonged dry conditions, reduced water availability, higher temperatures and risks to agriculture.

Kalinga has already experienced effects associated with the current dry conditions. In July, the National Irrigation Administration-Kalinga Irrigation Management Office advised some farmers served by the Upper Chico River Irrigation System to delay rice planting after declining Chico River water levels affected irrigation supply in parts of Tabuk and Pinukpuk.

PAGASA's September agroclimatic outlook also warned that El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and drought in some parts of the country, although conditions may vary by area. The agency continues to monitor the situation and issue updates.

The proposed resolution noted that agriculture could be particularly vulnerable, including rice, corn and high-value vegetables, while livestock and poultry could also be affected by extreme heat, reduced water availability and disruptions in feed supply.

It further cited potential financial difficulties for small farmers who have taken agricultural loans and could struggle to repay them if drought causes crop losses.

Through the proposed inquiry, Comafay seeks to identify existing preparations and determine what additional measures the city government may adopt to help protect farmers, livestock raisers, food production and livelihoods from the possible effects of a stronger El Niño.