BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has unanimously approved two resolutions urging government agencies to immediately implement measures aimed at strengthening the city’s preparedness for the anticipated effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
The twin resolutions, authored by Councilors Atty. Caesar Distrito and Pao Sy, seek to bolster water conservation, agricultural resilience, and food security as forecasts indicate the possibility of prolonged dry spells and below-normal rainfall.
The measures recognize the potential threats posed by El Niño to Bacolod’s water resources, agricultural production, livestock, and overall food supply.
“With forecasts indicating the possibility of prolonged dry spells and below-normal rainfall, the measures aim to ensure that Bacolod is fully prepared before the most severe impacts of the climate phenomenon are felt,” the resolutions stated.
The first resolution calls on BACIWA-PrimeWater, the City Engineer’s Office, and other concerned agencies to intensify water conservation initiatives, develop alternative water sources, and implement contingency measures to secure the city’s water supply.
Among the recommended actions are the rehabilitation and development of additional water sources, repair and maintenance of existing water facilities, leak detection and reduction programs, preparation of emergency water distribution plans, and public information campaigns promoting water conservation.
The resolution also requests BACIWA-PrimeWater to submit a comprehensive report to the SP detailing the current status of Bacolod City’s water supply system, projected water demand, contingency plans, and overall preparedness for the expected effects of El Niño.
The second resolution focuses on protecting the city’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security.
It urges the City Agriculture Office, City Veterinary Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Department of Agriculture, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., and other concerned agencies to immediately roll out programs that will help farmers, fisherfolk, livestock raisers, and consumers cope with the adverse effects of prolonged drought.
The proposed measures include the distribution of drought-resistant crop varieties, promotion of water-efficient farming technologies, expansion of crop insurance coverage, assistance to livestock and poultry raisers, implementation of food production contingency programs, monitoring of food prices, and continuous technical support for agricultural stakeholders.
Distrito said the resolutions underscore the importance of acting before the impacts of El Niño become severe.
“The best way to respond to El Niño is to prepare before our water sources become critically low and before our farmers begin suffering major losses. These resolutions are intended to ensure that government agencies act early, coordinate effectively, and protect both the basic needs and livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Sy emphasized that safeguarding water resources is essential to protecting the city’s food supply.
“Water security and food security go hand in hand. By preparing today, we reduce the risks tomorrow. These measures are about protecting every Bacolodnon—from households and businesses to farmers and consumers—from the economic and social impacts of prolonged drought,” he said.
The resolutions stressed that while local governments cannot prevent the occurrence of El Niño, they can significantly reduce its impact through early intervention, sound planning, and coordinated action.
The SP also expressed hope that the concerned agencies would promptly implement the recommended measures and regularly report their progress to the council as part of Bacolod City’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and protect essential services and livelihoods./PN
