Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos is urging residents to draw on the Ilocano trademark of resourcefulness, practicality and resilience to cope with the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Araneta-Marcos reiterated this during her regular monthly press conference at the capitol on Monday as she underscored the importance of making wise use of available resources, particularly water, as prolonged dry conditions threaten agricultural production, household water supply and community livelihoods.

She encouraged residents “to practice water conservation, avoid wastage and adopt practical measures to help communities manage limited resources.”

Farmers are likewise encouraged to explore alternative crops, adopt climate-smart agricultural practices and maximize available irrigation water to minimize potential production losses.

The provincial government continues to coordinate with concerned agencies and local government units to strengthen preparedness and provide assistance to sectors affected by the dry spell.

By embracing the Ilocano spirit of resourcefulness and bayanihan (cooperation), the governor hopes residents can work together to overcome El Niño challenges and protect their communities, livelihoods and food security.

“The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is already doing immediate solutions to mitigate the impact of El Niño, in which the agriculture sector will be most vulnerable,” she said.

As of November, acting provincial agriculturist Ma. Teresa Bacnat told the Philippine News Agency that a total of 879 farmers across the province were given 30 liters each for fuel subsidy.

Priority beneficiaries include farmers who depend on water pumps to sustain their crop production.

Meanwhile, the province earned its first Green Banner Award in recognition of its efforts to strengthen nutrition programs and improve the health and nutritional well-being of its communities.

Provincial nutrition action officer Elma Irapta said in an interview on Monday that the recognition highlights the provincial government’s commitment to addressing malnutrition through sustained nutrition interventions, community-based programs and coordinated efforts among local government units and partner agencies.

The award also underscores the importance of strengthening maternal and child nutrition, promoting proper feeding practices, improving access to nutritious food and expanding nutrition education at the community level.

“All our programs, like the feeding programs for children and pregnant and lactating moms, kitchen garden in every home, biggest loser weight reduction program, obesity and overweight Irapta said. (PNA)