ILOILO City – Thirty-three areas in this city are considered critical, or could face water scarcity, due to the El Niño phenomenon.
The city’s major water distributor – Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) – identified these areas as the following:
* Molo – Sitio Bukid-bukid in Barangay San Pedro and barangays East Baluarte, Infante, South Fundidor, and Compania
* Arevalo – barangays Bonifacio, Arroyo, and Quezon
* City Proper – General Luna, Delgado, Ledesma, Quezon, Valeria, Jalandoni, and Fuentes streets
* La Paz – barangays Jereos, Caingin, Gustilo, Lopez Jaena Norte, and Lopez Jaena Sur
* Lapuz – barangays Alalasan, Jalandoni Estate and Lapuz Norte
* Jaro – barangays Simon Ledesma, Democracia, Our Lady of Lourdes, Montinola, MH Del Pilar, and Dungon A
* Mandurriao – barangays Dungon B, Dungon C, Bolilao, and Navais
“May impact gid ang El Niño sa mga bulk water suppliers, may reduced production, so sila (33 areas) ang possible nga indi malab-utan sang tubig. Once indi sila malab-utan amo gid na ang amon preparahan para makapa-deliver kami through tankers,” said Engr. Rothel John Chavez, MPIW Water Network Department head.
The El Niño phenomenon might emerge between June and July this year at 80 percent probability and persist until the first quarter of 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
The MPIW yesterday presented its El Niño contingency plan to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
Chavez said part of their plan is for more water tankers to deliver and serve areas that could no longer be reached by water supply.
They are also currently implementing network system adjustments to manage losses, prompt repair of pipe leaks, supply scheduling, and intensity campaign of recovering non-revenue water in the system due to leakage, water pilferage and regulated use of fire hydrants.
“Bilang sa distribution side, ang amon pwede nga ma-control amo ang amon nga network. So kinanglan namon i-strengthen ang leak repair program and ang amon system adjustment para ma-maximize ang available nga tubig para ma-ensure nga may maabot nga tubig sa mga pumoluyo,” Chavez added.
He also noted that they are closely coordinating with their bulk water suppliers to ensure that they are also doing their shares.
“Our bulk water suppliers are also finding ways to improve their productions like sourcing out from new wells,” Chavez said.
With the state weather bureau forecasting the country will experience a mild El Niño phenomenon, Chavez stressed it is better to be prepared.
“Ang Pagasa gahatag sa aton sang pag-asa nga indi gid worst ang impact. Pero maski amo na ang report, kita naga-prepare man gyapon,” he added./PN
