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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Orders Directive To Address Effects Of Water Shortage Due To El Nino
Photo credit: PCO
Acting on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to issue recommendations this week to address the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the Philippines. President Marcos emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact of the dry spell on the country.
During a meeting held in Malacañang, President Marcos said that the DENR, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are currently collaborating to mitigate the effects of El Niño.
Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson will also assist the government in addressing the issue and developing contingency plans.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of shifting water usage from groundwater and aquifers to surface water sources. He highlighted the need to protect existing surface water and implement a system of catchment basins to ensure water availability for irrigation and other purposes.
Regarding agricultural water supply, the President mentioned that the NIA has developed a design for existing dams to ensure a continuous supply of water. President Marcos clarified that the current hot and humid weather being experienced is not yet the onset of El Niño, but preparations are underway to be ready for its arrival.
In a related development, beginning July 12, 2023, residents in parts of Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Quezon City will experience daily water service interruptions. This is due to a reduction in the raw water allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) as a precautionary measure to preserve water in Angat Dam. The allocation decrease is a response to the potential worsening effects of El Niño in the coming months. Maynilad, the water concessionaire in the affected areas, will receive less supply than usual, necessitating the service interruptions.
Maynilad provided a list of the affected areas and their respective interruption schedules, which will be in effect until the raw water allocation remains at 48 cubic meters per second (CMS). However, the duration of these interruptions may be shorter than projected due to rainwater from the Ipo watershed and Maynilad's supply augmentation projects.
Affected customers are advised to store enough water for their needs during the hours when supply will be unavailable and to store water in clean, covered containers. Maynilad also warned customers to expect some discoloration in the water supply upon service resumption, which is a normal consequence of interruptions. The company urged customers to let the water flow briefly until it clears and to use the initial flow for non-drinking purposes, such as flushing toilets, to avoid wastage. Additionally, Maynilad has mobilized water tankers to provide potable water as needed.
Amid efforts to conserve water and mitigate the impact of El Niño, Maynilad called on all water consumers to use water responsibly. The company expressed its apologies for the inconvenience caused by the service interruptions and assured customers that Maynilad is closely monitored and regulated by the MWSS Regulatory Office.
During a meeting held in Malacañang, President Marcos said that the DENR, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are currently collaborating to mitigate the effects of El Niño.
Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson will also assist the government in addressing the issue and developing contingency plans.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of shifting water usage from groundwater and aquifers to surface water sources. He highlighted the need to protect existing surface water and implement a system of catchment basins to ensure water availability for irrigation and other purposes.
Regarding agricultural water supply, the President mentioned that the NIA has developed a design for existing dams to ensure a continuous supply of water. President Marcos clarified that the current hot and humid weather being experienced is not yet the onset of El Niño, but preparations are underway to be ready for its arrival.
In a related development, beginning July 12, 2023, residents in parts of Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Quezon City will experience daily water service interruptions. This is due to a reduction in the raw water allocation for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) as a precautionary measure to preserve water in Angat Dam. The allocation decrease is a response to the potential worsening effects of El Niño in the coming months. Maynilad, the water concessionaire in the affected areas, will receive less supply than usual, necessitating the service interruptions.
Maynilad provided a list of the affected areas and their respective interruption schedules, which will be in effect until the raw water allocation remains at 48 cubic meters per second (CMS). However, the duration of these interruptions may be shorter than projected due to rainwater from the Ipo watershed and Maynilad's supply augmentation projects.
Affected customers are advised to store enough water for their needs during the hours when supply will be unavailable and to store water in clean, covered containers. Maynilad also warned customers to expect some discoloration in the water supply upon service resumption, which is a normal consequence of interruptions. The company urged customers to let the water flow briefly until it clears and to use the initial flow for non-drinking purposes, such as flushing toilets, to avoid wastage. Additionally, Maynilad has mobilized water tankers to provide potable water as needed.
Amid efforts to conserve water and mitigate the impact of El Niño, Maynilad called on all water consumers to use water responsibly. The company expressed its apologies for the inconvenience caused by the service interruptions and assured customers that Maynilad is closely monitored and regulated by the MWSS Regulatory Office.
Jul 11, 2023
