The Legazpi City government has created an El Niño Task Force and is pursuing long-term water supply projects to strengthen preparedness for a possible prolonged dry spell.

In an interview Monday, Mayor Hisham Ismail said the task force will convene to discuss measures to mitigate the impact of El Niño on water supply, agriculture, and public health. The task force will include concerned agencies and stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness, water resource management, and emergency response.

To address recurring supply interruptions in southern barangays, the local government is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the continuation of a pipeline project that will source water from Buenavista.

Ismail said the project, which has already started, is part of the city's long-term strategy to improve water distribution and provide a more stable supply to affected communities.

"We have already coordinated with the DPWH so we can obtain their master plan because the water pipeline connection project has already started," he said.

Ismail added that the city government intends to continue the project initiated by national agencies to maximize government investments and strengthen water security amid the prolonged dry spell.

The mayor said recent rainfall has brought temporary relief to farmers and crops but remains insufficient to offset the dry conditions in several areas of the city.

The city government is also preparing emergency measures, such as water conservation initiatives and water distribution protocols, as part of its El Niño response.

Ismail urged residents to stay vigilant amid extreme heat and help conserve water.

"I continue to remind the public to prepare and keep hydrated. If you are taking maintenance medicines, continue taking them, and if the weather is extremely hot, seek shade or use an umbrella," he said.