Several residents of a barangay in Polomolok, South Cotabato, are facing shortage of water due to the prevailing heat brought by El Niño.

At least four areas in Barangay Kinilis have experienced water interruption.

Barangay Chairman Romnick Barzo said the barangay often experiences water shortage in a year.

“Mga one month na na ni nga shortage na sila sa tubig. Maka-experience mi og ani nga problema kung ting-init na gyud kayo,” Barzo said.

Crops grown by residents such as sayote, corn, cucumber, among others, were also affected.

“Tungod sa kainit namatay. Lugi na kaayo, wala gyud mi paabuton karon,” a resident, Bing Gayon, said.

Barangay officials are conducting validation and assessment of the farmers affected.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have implemented water rationing in the areas affected while barangay officials put in place long-term solutions to the problem.

“Mabutangan ang mga purok og tubig, for example, water system nga project sa gobyerno which is naa na man siya gina-construct karon sa duha ka purok,” Barzo said.