THE provincial government is ready for the dry spell and "Tiempo Muerto," or off-milling season in the sugar industry.

The southern Negros, according to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, is closely monitored at this time and that joint reforestation projects of the national government and the local government units have been implemented, Diaz said.

He cited that there are interests to be considered in developing Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA).

He said there are two SAPA applications within the Northern Negros Natural Park to protect the watershed areas.

"We are trying to have more pilot projects for watershed areas," Diaz said.

As to the Bulk Water Project of the province Diaz said during the first or second week of April the final feasibility study may already be done.

LGUs that will subscribe to the project will have enough supplies of water.

"Hopefully our wells will not be affected by El Niño. The province's reforestation is already in place, as most of the trees that were planted have already passed the survival stage. We are at the mercy of nature, which is why we have to work with it. The administration of Governor Eugenio Lacson is always working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and we are hoping our projects are enough to provide water and for our irrigation," Diaz added.

As to the coming "Tiempo Muerto," Diaz said that the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has already set aside funds for the vulnerable sector in the province.

"We have already planned out measures for food and non-food stocking," Diaz added.*