The local government of Malabon City has put in place a contingency plan that will address the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon to ensure the safety of residents during the expected long dry spell.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval vowed the strict implementation of the city’s contingency measures to address the needs of Malabueños.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that a “strong” El Niño may continue to affect the country until May this year.

Malabon City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said the city government is prepared to assist the residents.

“Different clusters and departments were given the assignments to address the needs during the El Niño,” he said.

The initiative established the “El Niño Task Force” which is tasked with overseeing the implementation of plans to mitigate the negative impact of El Niño and provide assistance to the residents.

The Task Force will also address the emergency repairs of leaks by water concessionaires and utilities without requiring an excavation permit provided that the permit is obtained within a reasonable period from the start of the repair works.

The task force will also lift the number-coding schemes for water tankers being used by concessionaires and utilities to address the water supply needs of affected customers promptly.

Additionally, the group is responsible for implementing and updating existing contingency and response plans related to El Niño.

Sandoval said the task force will also advocate for the responsible use of water, encourage actions such as fixing leaky faucets, use of a broom instead of water hose to clean sidewalks and driveways, and making use of recycled water for various household tasks.
 

Meanwhile, the city’s public information office stated that the reports and data regarding El Niño and other natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, have been given to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Health Department, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

These departments have been assigned to monitor and decide on actions to be undertaken by the local government.

The LGU has also stockpiled on relief goods, including food and non-food items, to ensure that affected households will receive immediate assistance.

The Malabon DRRM Council was also tasked with coordinating with the city's fire stations to refrain from the unnecessary use of fire hydrants. The fire stations were also limited to using the hydrants only when putting out fires.

It added that the city government will conduct an information drive in every barangay to educate residents on the effects of El Niño.