BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government is intensifying preparations for a potentially stronger El Niño, with Mayor Greg Gasataya identifying water supply as one of the city’s major concerns amid the threat of prolonged dry conditions.
Gasataya said the city government had begun discussing contingency measures with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) several weeks before the official declaration of the climate phenomenon.
As part of its preparations, the city has purchased additional water trucks, filtration systems and other equipment to help address possible water shortages.
However, the mayor emphasized that securing sufficient water sources remains the biggest challenge, as additional equipment alone cannot guarantee adequate supply during prolonged dry spells.
“We have learned from previous experiences and are looking at other options,” Gasataya said.
The city government is coordinating with the City Engineer’s Office to identify alternative water sources that could supplement the city’s existing supply.
Gasataya also disclosed that he had written to the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA), requesting information on its current water supply situation, operations and strategies for addressing existing and future supply concerns.
He particularly sought updates on BACIWA’s five-year development plan, which he said should have been submitted earlier.
Once BACIWA responds, the city government plans to hold a meeting with water district officials to discuss immediate and long-term solutions. Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod may also be invited to participate.
Gasataya stressed that the discussions would go beyond El Niño preparations and address Bacolod’s continuing water supply challenges.
Very strong El Niño possible
The preparations come as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the strong El Niño currently affecting the tropical Pacific could intensify into a very strong event between September and December 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027.
In its September 23 climate advisory, PAGASA warned that El Niño could bring warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall across much of the Philippines, increasing the risk of dry spells and drought.
Prolonged rainfall deficits could affect water resources, agriculture, energy production, public health and other climate-sensitive sectors.
However, PAGASA noted that short periods of heavy rainfall could still occur due to the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones, particularly in the western section of the country.
Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. has urged local governments and climate-sensitive sectors to adopt proactive, data-driven measures to minimize the potential impacts of El Niño.
For Bacolod, the city government is prioritizing additional water facilities and alternative sources to help maintain adequate supply should dry conditions intensify./PN
