AMID growing concerns on the impact of El Niño on the country’s water supply, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the government will soon unveil its plan to address such effects of the dry spell caused by the said phenomenon.
Speaking during a meeting in Malacañang, Marcos said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) is now finalizing the said plan.
“We will have a plan for the mitigation of the effects of El Niño this week,” Marcos said.
He noted that former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson will provide inputs for the contingency plan.
Last May, the Presidential Communications Office announced the reconstitution of the El Niño task force, which will be tasked to implement the mitigation measures.
The chief executive made the assurance after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of El Niño last week.
State meteorologists said the effects of El Niño this month are still “weak,” but are expected to strengthen in the coming months.
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has already warned that 600,000 households may suffer long water disruptions due to the dropping water level of Angat Dam.
Marcos said the government is bracing for such scenarios through water catchment structures and proper management of existing dams.
“We have a plan. So we are making sure that we will be ready when that time comes,” Marcos said.
Image credits: Roy Domingo