Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. ordered local chief executives (LCE) on Wednesday, May 3, to help mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño in their respective areas. Abalos issued the order after the state weather bureau forecasted that the phenomenon may emerge in the next three months and will last until the first quarter of 2024. “Included in the mitigation efforts are the urgent enactment of ordinances curbing illegal connections and encouraging prudent water usage; allowing water concessionaires and water utilities to conduct emergency leak repairs; lifting of application of number coding schemes with respect to water tankers used by water concessionaires to immediately address water supply needs of affected customers; implementing and updating of existing contingency plans related to El Niño; stockpiling of relief goods (food and non-food items) for immediate relief assistance, among others,’’ the DILG said. In his Memorandum Circular (MC), Abalos noted that the LCEs are also tasked to conduct massive information, education, and communication campaigns in communities on checking and immediate fixing of water leaks, maximizing rainwater harvesting and storage; implementation of water conservation measures; setting the temperature of air-conditioning units between 22 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. He stressed that the preparatory steps can alleviate the ill effects of the phenomenon in terms of agriculture, water resources, marine resources, human health, and environment, as a whole. “Conserving water is one of the key actions needed to be taken to mitigate effects of El Niño and as public servants, we must set an example. These precautionary steps, albeit small, can make a big difference that can affect our communities,” he added. The memorandum circular also listed down water conservation tips like turning off faucets while brushing teeth, using a glass instead; removing all leftover foods before washing the dishes; washing them using a small basin; storing and reusing the final rinse water to flush toilets; storing and reusing laundry water to clean floors, flush toilets, etc; watering plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize evaporation; not hosing down vehicles, clean it using a washcloth and pail; using water-efficient gadgets, such as high-pressure, low-volume hoses and showerheads, faucets with aerators and double-flush toilets among others. “The LCEs are also urged to coordinate with Department of Agriculture regional offices for conduct of cloud seeding operations, implementation of rotational irrigation scheme and water-saving technology; strategizing of areas to be irrigated and reusing wastewater from drainage canals; utilizing solar pump irrigation; adapting drought-resistant and early-maturing seed varieties; and adjusting cropping calendar, among others,’’ the DILG added. The DILG chief also instructed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to refrain from unnecessarily drawing water from fire hydrants and limit the same only for purposes of putting out fires.