The Local Water Utilities Administration said it is ready for the start of El Niño and the possible water shortage across the country.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard, LWUA Administrator Vicente Revil shared that the water supply outside Metro Manila remained sufficient.
“For now, we have enough supply due to Agua de Mayo starting early this year, but then, we still have to prepare for El Niño,” Revil said.
He added that to mitigate the possible effects of El Niño, LWUA ordered all water districts outside Metro Manila to follow Memo Circular No. 002.23 which was released last April 11.
In the memorandum, LWUA said water districts must conduct water supply inventory and management, check water quality, follow standard procedures and policies, and conduct communication and information drives in their areas.
The circular also enjoined all water districts to submit their respective El Niño 2023 action plan by May 15, as of the moment, various water districts have complied and LWUA is now compiling and validating the submitted data for monitoring purposes.
When asked about the possible hot spots where possible water shortages would hit, Revil said LWUA is monitoring Mindanao and Visayas.
“We are looking at the side of Mindanao and parts of Visayas or lower parts of the Philippines, but I think it would be the whole country.
That is why I think it is important to conduct water inventory,” Revil said.
In the latest weather projection of PAGASA, El Niño may start around June, July, or August and may persist until the first quarter of 2024.
Revil said he met with various agencies such as the National Irrigation Administration, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure enough water supply will be ready during El Niño.
“We want to have a stable supply of water for everyone, we are asking our water districts to submit reports on their water supply and ensure efficient management of resources,” said Revil.
He added that LWUA has put up contingency plans and is looking into possible technical financial support that could be given to worst-hit areas.
LWUA has launched 20 billion liters worth of water supply and four billion worth of sanitation projects under the Patubig sa Buong Bayan at Mamamayan (PBBM) to cover the period 2023 to 2028.
This program would help the development of the water supply and secure the country’s water resources.
Back in 2019, the Philippines suffered its worst dry spell, as up to 61 percent of the country suffered a drought as there were three consecutive months of over 60 percent less rainfall.
One of the country’s main sources of water, Angat Dam, recently saw its water level plunge to record lows, causing water shortages in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.