Iloilo City readies water rationing system should ill effects of the El Niño phenomenon persist. 

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the scorching heat felt in Iloilo City is considered as a dry spell that is expected until March 2024. Drought is expected toward the end of April 2024.

But according to Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the supply of water in the city is not yet considered critical as 71 million liters of water supply are available, higher than the 65 million liters actual daily demand for water.

However, the Local Government Unit (LGU) said that there is the possibility of a declaration of a state of calamity should there be a lack in water supply.

“According sa assessment, until May pa ito. We continue to monitor the situation in our barangay,” Donna Magno, head of Iloilo CDRRMO, said.

Given the situation, the Iloilo City LGU will undertake mitigating efforts, one of which is water rationing.

“Malaking tulong talaga is to ensure na may mga tangke ang mga barangay at sa mga schedules nila ready din ang barangay na mag-receive,” Magno added.

The business sector vowed to help the LGU by harvesting rainwater and undertaking other water conservation efforts.

“Ang mga different businesses have adopted rain water harvesting, and they have also installed facilities na ang use ng water (ay) minimal lang,” Velma Jane Lao, head of a business group, said.

Refilling stations and laundry services in Molo district, for example, have also geared up for the effects of El Niño.

“Iyan talaga ang pinaghahandaan para masigurong hindi po maubusan. Hindi kasi natin malaman anytime kung ano ang mangyayari. Nagback-up din kami ng tubig sa containers na empty,” Erica Maloto, laundry and refilling station staff, said.

One of the basis in putting an area under a state of calamity is if 15 percent of the population and 30 percent of livelihood means are already affected.

In the latest CDRRMO monitoring, the ill effects are not yet reportedly visible. Despite the report, the public is again reminded to conserve water and to help protect water sources.