The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) to help the national government in water conservation measures amid the continuous adverse effects of intense heat across the country.
In a Memorandum Circular (MC), the DILG urged LGUs, particularly barangay officials, to regularly monitor water meters in their areas and immediately report leaks to concerned providers.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the MC 2024-065 is part of efforts to help conserve water following a continued decline in the water level of Angat Dam due to the El Niño phenomenon.
"LGUs must see to it that all government offices have separate water meters to monitor water consumption and possible leaks easily. Main building water pipe valves must be shut down from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and building administrators must regularly check for leaks and faulty fixtures, especially in toilets,” the DILG chief’s statement issued Wednesday read.
Abalos also said LGUs are supposed to launch "information, education, and communication campaigns on water conservation measures" to promote public awareness, encouraging them to use funds from their local disaster risk reduction and management fund for these activities.
Meanwhile, Abalos urged local officials to exercise the highest level of care and vigilance in their interactions and dealings.
This came after the agency received reports of persons and groups posing as agents of the DILG and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), claiming they could facilitate the approval and release of funds for locally funded projects.
He said the DILG closely follows processes and guidelines for the disbursement of funds, and any transactions or engagements that do not comply with such rules "will not be tolerated nor condoned and will be dealt with accordingly."
He advised LGUs to be
cautious while handling email correspondence relating to government transactions and to report any suspicious or unauthorised activity to police enforcement.