MANILA -- The government has reactivated El Niño task force in preparation for the worst effect of dry spell threatening to damage agricultural lands in the country.

As discussed in the Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Philippine Information Agency head Conrado Limcaoco said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered revival of the task force that was created in 2001 under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Limcaoco said the task force, which will be headed by DA Secretary Arthur Yap, was tasked to come up with a comprehensive and integrated action plan to address the coming El Nino phenomenon.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) earlier projected that the El Nino will be likely hit in the first half of 2010 with drought expected to peak by February. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)