IN response to the looming threat of El Niño in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), Supreme Barmm, a consortium led by Oxfam Pilipinas, and its partners have proactively distributed essential water conservation kits to approximately 2000 families.
This initiative aims to alleviate the potential adverse effects of the impending dry spell.
Supported by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, the Supreme Barmm consortium, comprising international and national organizations, science and academic institutions, and private sector entities, is collaborating to enhance the resilience of communities in the region.
This collaborative effort involves capacity-building, policy development, and the integration of early warning systems, anticipatory actions, and landscape considerations.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and Manila Observatory had previously identified communities within the Special Geographic Area (SGA) in Barmm as high-risk areas likely to be severely impacted by El Niño in the first quarter of the year. Analysis based on Pagasa data conducted by the Manila Observatory revealed that Barmm is already at a medium risk of drought.
Expressing the urgency of the situation, Oxfam Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Geronimo emphasized the need for immediate collective efforts to mitigate the adverse impact of El Niño on health, food security, peace, and the overall safety of vulnerable communities.
Recent reports from affected communities have highlighted a distressing decline in water supply from wells, accompanied by visible signs of distress such as cracked and parched farmlands. These conditions pose a serious threat to crop production and local supply chains, thereby jeopardizing food security in the region.
In response to the escalating situation, a notice of anticipatory action activation for drought has been released to the Ministry of Interior and Local Government and Barmm Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (Barmm-Readi).
Collaborating closely with Barmm-Readi and the Pre-Disaster Risks Assessment (PDRA) Group, Oxfam Pilipinas has been actively involved in developing Anticipatory Action (AA) Triggers and Early Action protocols for various hazards, including tropical cyclones, flooding, and El Niño.
Anticipatory activation for drought, based on the established protocols, necessitates the implementation of household awareness-raising sessions and the distribution of rainwater harvesters and buckets to help communities cope with the initial impacts of El Niño.
Geronimo likened the crisis to an “asymptomatic disease,” emphasizing the importance of taking action before the visible signs of destruction emerge.
Oxfam Pilipinas and its partners advocate for anticipatory actions to save lives and protect livelihoods, influencing government policies and actions to act preemptively when predetermined triggers are met.
The proposed Imminent Disaster Bill, currently under consideration, aims to ensure timely government actions and fund releases before the impact of imminent or slow-onset disasters such as El Niño.
A recent study by Oxfam Pilipinas highlighted the effectiveness of anticipatory action in reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening community capacity to manage emergencies and protect assets.
As the El Niño alert intensifies, the Supreme Barmm Consortium continues its efforts to build partnerships with Barmm agencies, emphasizing the importance of anticipatory action in enhancing survivability and preparedness mechanisms.
Recalling the significant impact of El Niño from 2015 to 2016, which caused USD 327 million in agricultural production losses, the consortium’s Strengthening Resilience through Early Warning System, Enhanced AA, and Multi-risk Landscape Approach in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Supreme Barmm) Project strives to promote anticipatory actions, inclusive community-based disaster preparedness, and pre-disaster cash assistance.
The project is implemented by Accord Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, Care Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity - CO Multiversity, Humanity & Inclusion - Philippines, Manila Observatory, PDRRN, Plan International Philippines, and Oxfam Pilipinas. (Oxfam PH)
