Manila, Sept. 8 -- The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is intensifying preparations for the ongoing El Nino phenomenon, prioritizing water security and agricultural protection as farmers brace for higher temperatures and reduced rainfall.

After a meeting with the Provincial Resiliency Office, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos reiterated her call on Tuesday to conserve water and ensure water-harvesting facilities are in place ahead of the dry season.

"As part of the short-term measures, we will be providing short-maturing and drought-tolerant planting materials, while promoting high-value crops in rainfed areas as an alternative to rice," Araneta-Marcos said during a press conference at the provincial auditorium.

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