Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has appealed to the Philippines' allies to assist in mitigating the effects of a severe drought caused by El Niño. Pimentel specifically challenged the United States, Japan, and Western European countries to extend their support beyond military cooperation. The United Nations has also called for increased international assistance to the Philippines in dealing with the strongest El Niño episode in history, which has caused estimated losses of P4.3 billion in agriculture and has significantly impacted the livelihoods of many Filipinos. The damage to agriculture is estimated at P4.39 billion, affecting approximately 85,250 farmers and fishermen nationwide [2087fc76].
Senator Francis Escudero has also called on the government to ensure aid to affected farmers and fisherfolk and to take proactive measures in anticipation of the La Niña weather phenomenon. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has raised the probability of La Niña developing later this year. Pimentel emphasized the need for allies to extend their engagement beyond military matters and to help restore the lost livelihoods of Filipino citizens [2087fc76].
ISU Professor Michael Castellano from Iowa State University is scheduled to testify about the nation’s water supply before a U.S. Senate panel at the invitation of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. Castellano will appear before the Senate Budget Committee during a hearing called 'Droughts, Dollars and Decisions: Water Scarcity in a Changing Climate.' Senator Grassley believes Castellano will provide realistic information and help separate fact from fiction regarding the water supply and threats. Grassley emphasizes that addressing climate change requires the compliance of other countries and warns against the U.S. doing too much too quickly, as it could harm the American economy without solving the global warming problem. The hearing is scheduled for 9:30 AM Central time [a855ddcd].