The Makati City local government underscored the importance of proactive action in mitigating the effects of the El Niño phenomenon which raises the likelihood of below-average rainfall conditions and their adverse impact such as drought and dry spells in several parts of the country.
(Photos from Makati LGU)
Makati City Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo led the signing of the Pledge of Commitment in support of the city government’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and climate change on behalf of Mayor Abby Binay. Officials and representatives from Maynilad, Manila Water, and Meralco were also present during the event.
In May last year, Makati City launched its Task Force ENSO tasked with linking the city government with other entities and groups in ensuring the continuous supply of water and electricity to Makatizens as the weather phenomenon is expected to have a massive effect on these utilities until the first three months of 2024.
"Nakipag-meeting tayo sa mga concessionaires natin ng tubig at ilaw sa Makati at pinaghanda sila ng mga contingency measures para sa inaasahang kakulangan ng supply sa tubig at kuryente. Naghanda na rin ang mga department sa City Hall na naghahatid ng mga social services at emergency response para sa ano mang krisis o emergency na maaaring mangyari (We held a meeting with our water and electricity concessionaires to know their contingency measures in preparation for the expected lack of supply of water and electricity during the El Niño season. We have also tasked the different departments at the City Hall responsible for delivering social services and emergency response to prepare for whatever crisis or emergency that may happen)," Binay said.
"Sisiguruhin ng Task Force ENSO na ligtas ang bawat isa at patuloy na naihahatid ang basic social services sa mga panahong nasa El Niño ang bansa. Halimbawa, hindi magkakaroon ng power interruption at kawalan ng supply ng tubig sa mga ospital at pangunahing opisina sa Makati City Hall (Task Force ENSO will ensure that everyone is safe and there will be continuous delivery of basic social services during the time the country is under the El Niño season. For example, there will be no power interruption and lack of supply of water in hospitals and other primary offices at the Makati City Hall)," she added.
The mayor explained that water concessionaires laid out their plans to ensure the continuous supply of water in houses and businesses in the city. Aside from deep wells and alternative water sources, Manila Water and Maynilad have opened their water treatment plants to supply water if ever their reserves reach the low level.
The two water concessionaires also conduct regular inspection and repair of their damaged or leaking pipes. If there is a water interruption, they will deploy their water tankers to barangays in Makati to bring clean water to residents.
Meanwhile, power concessionaire Meralco said that it may implement rotational brownouts if ever the electricity supply becomes thin.
Joint effort
On the other hand, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) urged local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to regulate the use of water in maintaining golf courses and in operating car wash shops.
Citing data from weather experts, MMDA chairman Don Artes said El Niño is expected to persist until May this year and this means water crisis mitigation measures must be implemented to lessen the effects of the phenomenon.
Aside from the reduction in the use of water in the maintenance of golf courses and in car wash shops, Artes said they have already laid down other measures and will be shared with the LGUs in Metro Manila through the approved resolution of the MMC.
Among them are the recycling of wastewater or gray water for watering plants and car washing, fixing leaks in water pipes, and the development of water filtration systems.
“We already developed basic designs for the rainwater catchment system that will be distributed to the Metro Manila LGUs,” said Artes.
"We will distribute these designs to the 17 Metro Manila LGUs in support of the water mitigation measures that they will come up with in their respective cities and municipalities, depending on the needs in their areas," he added.