Boniel calls for halt on redundant cloud  seeding operations  

BM BONIEL

BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO

In a bold move advocating for financial responsibility, Bohol Board Member Mimi Boniel has urged an immediate cessation of cloud seeding operations in the province during her privileged speech delivered at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Tuesday.

Boniel highlighted the redundancy of such operations, stating, “Despite the onset of the rainy season, as confirmed by PAGASA’s recent pronouncements, funds have been allocated for cloud seeding operations—a measure that seems redundant and unnecessary at this juncture.”

The lady lawmaker from the Second District emphasized the importance of prudent fund management, especially given the natural rainfall already blessing the province. 

“Continuing with these operations in light of the abundant rainfall would not only be an imprudent use of funds but also a disregard for the natural water resources that have been bestowed upon us,” Boniel remarked.

She called attention to Resolution No. 2023-596 passed last year, which requested PhP7.5 million for cloud seeding from October 2023 to March 2024, and questioned its relevance in light of current weather conditions.

With PAGASA predicting a 60% chance of La Niña and recent weather disturbances bringing ample rain, Boniel argued for redirecting resources towards more pressing needs. 

“Let us redirect our efforts and resources towards more pressing needs and sustainable initiatives that will truly benefit our constituents,” she asserted.

The speech comes after reports from PAGASA announced the onset of the rainy season and subsequent abundant rainfall, rendering cloud seeding operations unnecessary and prompting calls for fiscal prudence.

Boniel’s call for an immediate halt to cloud seeding operations in the province was grounded on a directive from the Office of the President and a lack of scientific evidence supporting their (cloud seeding) effectiveness.

In her privileged speech, Boniel referenced Cabinet Action/Decision File No. PBBM-121923-118, which excludes cloud seeding as an immediate solution to El Niño. 

“The Cloud Seeding Task Force’s recommendation to continue operations now deviates from the original objectives,” she stated.

Boniel questioned the necessity of cloud seeding amidst natural rainfall, “How can we distinguish whether the rains are a result of expensive cloud seeding operations or natural meteorological phenomena?”

She also raised concerns about undelivered El Niño Irrigation Intervention materials worth PhP23.4 million and called for an investigation into why critical interventions have not materialized.

“The question arises: How can we distinguish whether the rains are a result of expensive cloud seeding operations or natural meteorological phenomena?” Boniel asked, urging for fiscal prudence and transparency in the use of calamity funds.

Boniel’s speech comes after PAGASA’s announcement of the rainy season’s onset and subsequent abundant rainfall, challenging the justification for continued cloud seeding operations.

SP COMMITTEE MEETING

In a recent committee hearing, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Agriculture’s interim chair, Board Member Lucille Lagunay, reported that experts unanimously recommended the continuation of cloud seeding operations.

This agricultural technique is designed to induce rain to replenish dams and irrigate rice fields in the province.

But Board Member Tomas Abapo Jr., an ally of suspended Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado, has called for a reassessment of the necessity of cloud seeding, especially with the rainy season’s arrival and the conclusion of El Niño. 

Abapo’s call for review comes in response to Board Member Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang’s criticism that cloud seeding is a waste of resources during the rainy season.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office initially advocated for cloud seeding, supported by irrigation and weather experts. 

Abapo emphasizes the importance of consulting these experts on the relevance of continuing cloud seeding efforts.

During the committee meeting on June 14, 2024, at the Capitol, experts from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-7 expressed concerns that despite rainfall, water levels in Bohol’s dams remain insufficient. 

PAGASA also provided critical input, noting that Bohol received only 4.6 mm of rain, significantly below levels needed for agricultural irrigation.

With 38,000 hectares of irrigated lands and an additional 20,000 hectares reliant on rain, along with 108,000 hectares planted with high-value crops dependent on rainfall, the province faces challenges. 

Lagunay highlighted that rain distribution remains imbalanced across Bohol, with minimal and isolated showers.

PAGASA informed Lagunay that while a low-pressure area affected Butuan and two expected typhoons will not impact Bohol directly. 

A cost-benefit analysis is being considered to evaluate the potential increase in crop production from cloud seeding investments against the backdrop of over P420 million in agricultural losses due to drought.

The Bureau of Soil and Water Management indicated that current conditions present an opportune moment for cloud seeding as suitable clouds were previously absent.

SIGNATURE WITHDRAWN

As this develops, Liza Quirog, the recently reassigned provincial agriculturist, has publicly withdrawn her endorsement for cloud seeding operations in Bohol. 

During an interview with Ardy Araneta-Batoy’s DYTR program ‘Newsmakers ug Uban Pa’ on June 10, 2024, Quirog announced her decision, citing PAGASA declaration of the rainy season’s start and the conclusion of El Niño as primary reasons.

Quirog emphasized that with the expected natural rainfall, the artificial induction of rain through cloud seeding is no longer necessary. 

This stance aligns with a directive from Malacañang advising against cloud seeding as an immediate response to El Niño-related issues, Quirog said.

Despite Quirog’s position, a spokesperson from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) insisted that cloud seeding remains essential to restore water levels in Bohol’s dams.

The spokesperson highlighted that recent rains have not significantly replenished dam reserves and that cloud seeding operations are scheduled to continue throughout the week.

Reports said the debate over cloud seeding in Bohol unfolds against a backdrop of delayed funding and criticisms of the government’s reactive approach to El Niño interventions. 

With funds for cloud seeding arriving late and observers questioning the timing of government action, the issue has sparked discussions on disaster preparedness and resource management, media reports added.