With the expected onset of El Niño, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region VI (DENR-6) is forecasting a dry spell over the entire region.

“We have organized REACT (Response and Emergency Action Team) teams in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and [Negros Occidental] to be vigilant in protecting the areas within and at the periphery of National Greening Program plantations,” said DENR-6 director Executive Director Jim Sampulna.

According to AccuWeather, El Niño is a climate pattern that raises sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Such a system can contribute to drought conditions due to reduced rainfall.

Sampulna also called on Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices across the region to “show vigilance.”/WDJ