Southern Leyte prepositions relief supplies as El Niño threat looms

Posted on November 12, 2026 at 07:24 AM

Tacloban City — Southern Leyte is preparing to stockpile emergency supplies as Eastern Visayas braces for possible El Niño conditions that could bring prolonged dry spells, water shortages and losses in agriculture.

The provincial government and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas have agreed to preposition non-food items (NFIs) in the province so emergency supplies can be deployed faster to communities affected by disasters.

The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed at the Southern Leyte Provincial Capitol.

OCD-8 Acting Regional Director Erwin Rommel Lamzon said keeping supplies closer to communities would help reduce delays in delivering assistance during emergencies.

“Disaster preparedness requires more than having response teams ready. It also means ensuring that essential resources are strategically positioned and can be mobilized when communities need them most,” Lamzon said.

The prepositioning plan comes as authorities prepare for the possible effects of El Niño, which could reduce water availability and affect farms and the livelihoods of communities dependent on agriculture.

Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado said the province needs to prepare its resources before emergencies occur.

“Disaster preparedness is not simply about responding when calamities happen. It is about anticipating the needs of our communities, making sure that resources are available, and establishing systems that will allow us to deliver assistance without delay,” Mercado said.

Under the agreement, the OCD and the provincial government will coordinate the storage and distribution of non-food relief items for disaster response.

The supplies may also be used during other emergencies and natural hazards that could affect the province.

Lamzon said the OCD would continue to provide technical assistance and training to local governments to improve their disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

The provincial government said the partnership is intended to ensure that emergency supplies are available and can be delivered to affected communities when needed.

The agreement comes as local governments across Eastern Visayas strengthen preparations for climate-related threats and other hazards.

Photo Courtesy: OCD8