preps contingency plan to mitigate impact of El Niño

In response to the imminent threats of the El Niño phenomenon, the island city of Samal in Davao del Norte is crafting a contingency plan to address the adverse effects of the periodic weather condition.

In a statement Thursday, Samal City Public Order and Safety Office (CPOSO) chief Rosemarie Garde said one of the city’s goal is to ensure sustainable water management in the area in anticipation of the drought.

Based on the six-month forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), recent conditions indicate that El Niño may occur from June to August this year, with an 80 percent probability.

PAGASA added that the dry spell may persist until the first quarter of 2024.

Garde said the city’s drought contingency plan is being crafted based on the presumable worst-case scenario that could occur on the island, recognizing the need for proactive action in the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity.

“The plan formulation involves extensive consultation with environmental experts and a collaborative effort involving the participation of local and national government, stakeholders, water management, community organizations, and residents,” she said.

Garde said the plan primarily aims to protect water service providers, address the pressing challenges posed by drought conditions and ensure a longterm water supply for the entire island.

“This is a comprehensive strategy that includes innovative measures and a collaborative approach to reducing the impact of droughts and securing water supplies for communities and industries alike,” she said.

The plan also entails strategies and measures that will be implemented in stages such as water conservation and efficiency; diversification of water sources; improved infrastructure and storage capacity; public awareness and education; emerFIGACOS, P10

In a rare reunion, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, and former Davao del Norte Representative Antonio ‘Tonyboy’ Floiren-

The three prominent Dabawenyos graced the graduation ceremony of the Center for Brighter Beginnings (CBB) held at Petro Gaz Arena on Friday morning where the former president and Floirendo attended the graduation of their relatives while Magno was the guest of honor of the said event.

Magno said apart from reminiscing the past, he and the former president talked about meeting again to discuss projects for Davao City and Mindanao.

“We agreed to meet again to discuss mga kaayuhan for Davao and Mindanao,” Magno told Edge Davao.

Magno is a staunch supporter of the Dutertes, specially the former president way back during his Davao City mayoral days until he became the Chief Executive of the country, while Floirendo is a close ally of Duterte.

CBB is an early childhood education and intervention center established in Davao City in 1992. A few years back, CBB partnered with the Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. with a plan to expand operations. CBB Tagum branch will be opening in August.

applicants targeted for August Career Service exam

20,000

The Civil Service Commission 11 (CSC 11) is targeting to cater to 20,000 applicants in the Davao Region for the Career Service Examination slated on August 20, 2023.

CSC regional director Cyril-Nathan Eamiguel clarified on Wednesday that even if CSC has a target number of examinees, it will still accept those who want to apply for the said examination.

He said CSC 11 is currently catering to at least 500 applicants a day.

“We are still in the process of accepting applicants for the August 2023 examination in Davao Region. We would like to invite those who would like to take the examination and we are willing to accommodate everyone who wants to take the examination,” Eamiguel said during Wednesdays media forum at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall.

Evelyn Yparraguirre, chief human resource specialist of CSC 11, said as of May 30 there are more FAPPLICANTS, P10