BALER, Aurora — The Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), led by Gov. Isidro P. Galban, has approved the creation of the Aurora Provincial El Niño Task Force to strengthen the province’s preparedness for the potential impacts of the climate phenomenon.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue disclosed the development in an interview on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, saying preparations are underway for meetings with concerned government agencies and other stakeholders to coordinate the implementation of planned preparedness measures.

The task force was formally established through Executive Order No. 10-038, Series of 2026, signed by Galban on October 12, to coordinate science-based preparedness measures, risk monitoring, and action planning across the province.

The initiative was discussed during the PDRRMC’s fourth-quarter full council meeting on October 13 at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) building in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, attended by representatives of concerned government agencies and other stakeholders.

Under the executive order, Galban will serve as chairperson, with Provincial Administrator Shierwin H. Taay as co-chairperson and Vice Gov. Patrick Alexis Angara as vice-chairperson. The PDRRMO will serve as the task force secretariat, providing technical and coordination support.

The task force will coordinate with provincial government offices, municipal and barangay governments, national agencies, utility providers, agricultural organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and monitor the Provincial El Niño Preparedness and Action Plan.

Its responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerable communities, monitoring climate-related impacts, disseminating verified public advisories, and recommending appropriate preparedness and mitigation measures.

The initial action plan must be completed within 30 days from the issuance of the executive order. It will outline risk assessments, official climate outlooks, agency responsibilities, implementation schedules, funding requirements, early-warning and communication arrangements, and measures to ensure the continuity of essential public services.

The province’s preparedness efforts will focus on five priority sectors: water security, food security, energy security, health security, and public safety.

Planned interventions include water conservation and supply monitoring, protection of agricultural production and food availability, preparations for possible power disruptions, continuity of essential health services, and stronger coordination among emergency response agencies and local government units.

The PDRRMO, in coordination with the Public Affairs and Information Assistance Division and other concerned offices, will also lead public information campaigns based on validated climate outlooks and advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and other competent agencies.

The task force will operate under and in coordination with the PDRRMC without superseding the statutory functions of existing disaster management councils, government offices, and other agencies.

Through the initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen interagency cooperation and ensure that preparedness measures are guided by reliable climate information and the needs of communities vulnerable to El Niño-related impacts.

The upcoming coordination meetings are expected to help concerned agencies align their respective responsibilities and identify the necessary actions to protect communities and sustain essential services during potential El Niño conditions. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸: AURORA PDRRMC HOLDS 4TH QUARTER COUNCIL MEETING Led by Gov. Isidro P. Galban, together with Provincial DRRM Officer Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue and representatives of concerned agencies, the Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) held its 4th Quarter Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 2nd Floor, PDRRMO Building, Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora. (Photos by Jason de Asis)