WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 16 (s. 2001) created a Presidential Task Force to enhance agency coordination in the formulation and implementation of measures that will mitigate the effects of the El Ni o phenomena (Task Force);

WHEREAS, recent monitoring and analysis by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration have revealed that the warm sea surface temperature, which began in March 2023 in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, has fully evolved into El Ni o as of July 2023 and continues to exhibit signs of intensification with majority of global climate models suggesting that El Ni o will likely persist until the second quarter of 2024;

WHEREAS, the Philippines is fully committed to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 1 of eradicating poverty, implementing nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, and granting equal access to economic resources particularly for the poor and vulnerable sector of society; and

WHEREAS, the recurrence of the El Ni o phenomenon calls for the implementation of both short and long-term solutions to ensure food, water and energy security, safeguard livelihoods, and improve the country's disaster and climate resilience; and

WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all executive departments, bureaus, and offices, and the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws;

Section 1. Reactivation and Reconstitution of the Task Force El Ni o.  The Task Force El Ni o is hereby reactivated under the Office of the President, and its membership reconstituted as follows:

Chairperson	:	Secretary, Department of National Defense
Co-Chairperson	:	Secretary, DOST
Members	:	Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources;
		Secretary, Department of Agriculture;
		Secretary, Department of Health; and
		Secretary, National Economic and Development Authority.

The Office of Civil Defense shall provide administrative and technical support to the Task Force in the performance of its functions.

Section 2. Powers and Functions of the Task Force. The Task Force shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Revise and update, as may be necessary, the Strategic El Ni o National Action Plan, which shall serve as the comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan for the El Ni o Phenomenon;

b. Monitor the implementation of short and long-term solutions and programs identified in the Strategic El Ni o National Action Plan, especially on the five (5) critical areas, namely: (i) water security; (ii) food security; (iii) energy security; (iv) health; and (v) safety;

c. Coordinate with all concerned agencies in order to expedite the completion of all ongoing water infrastructure projects intended to cushion or mitigate the impacts of El Ni o not later than end of April 2024;

d. In coordination with the Presidential Communications Office, conduct a massive information campaign to educate the public on the El Ni o phenomenon, and the necessary interventions to reduce its expected adverse impact to the country;

e. Submit to the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a monthly report on the implementation of this Order; and

f. Perform such other functions as may be directed by the President and/or the Executive Secretary.

The Presidential Task Force under EO No. 16 and El Ni o Task Force under MO No. 38 are hereby directed to turn-over all document necessary to ensure efficient transition in the performance of powers and functions of the TFEN.

Section 3. Agency Support. The Task Force may call upon the assistance of such other government agencies and entities, as may be necessary in the performance of its functions. All concerned govenrment agencies and entities are hereby directed to render full support to, and cooperation with the Task Force.

For this purpose, the Task Force is hereby authorized to create, convene and reorganize sub-committees, and/or working groups to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of this Order, as well as the Strategic El Ni o National Action Plan, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

Section 4. El Ni o Online Platform. In coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Task Force is hereby directed to establish the El Ni o Online Platform, which will serve as a centralized repository for a wide range of data, research, and information concerning El Ni o, such as interactive maps and visualizations, as well as well-informed, data-driven plans and programs related to El Ni o.

The El Ni o Online Platform shall support government decision-making, enhance public awareness, and foster public understanding of El Ni o and its effects

Section 5. Funding. The funding requirements for the implementation of this Order shall be charged against the existing appropriations of the member-agencies of the Task Force and such available funding sources as may be identified by the Department of Budget and Management, subject to relevant budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. Thereafter, the subsequent funding requirements for the purpose shall be included in the budget proposals of the member-agencies of the Task Force, subject to the usual budget preparation process.

Section 6. Repeal. EO No. 16, (s. 2001) and MO No. 38 (s. 2019) are hereby repealed. All other orders, issuances, or part thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Separability. If any section or part of this Order is declared unconstitutional, the other sections or provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 8. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 19^th day of January, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.

(SGD.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.

 

By the President:

(SGD.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary