ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government is earmarking P48.75 million for emergency water security measures, including water rationing, bulk water procurement and the installation of additional water facilities, to prevent a potentially crippling water shortage affecting more than two million Ilonggos as the province braces for the anticipated effects of a Super El Niño from October 2026 to May 2027.
The provincial government is finalizing a comprehensive water security plan designed to ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water for households while safeguarding agricultural production, hospital operations and other essential services against prolonged dry conditions.
Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. said the plan, which is in its final drafting stage, will soon be submitted to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
Buyco presented the province’s water security strategy during the Western Visayas Water Utilities Summit 2026 at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao district on October 19.
“This is not just a regulatory document, it is a blue print of the province to ensure uninterrupted access to potable water drinking, water, preferably for households and domestic used and water for agricultural used,” Buyco said.
He emphasized that securing adequate water supplies is essential not only to protecting public health but also to sustaining agricultural livelihoods and preventing economic disruptions during prolonged drought.
The province’s Super El Niño Action Plan covers October 2026 to May 2027 and consists of three major components: preparedness, mitigation and emergency response.
Water shortage preparations
Under the preparedness phase, which began in October, concerned provincial government offices are conducting information and advocacy campaigns in schools and local government units (LGUs), alongside consultations with bulk water suppliers.
Beginning in November, the provincial government will undertake extensive mapping and inventory of available water sources, monitor water levels, assess existing supplies and identify water-related facilities and equipment that could be mobilized during emergencies.
Buyco stressed the importance of gathering reliable data to identify communities and economic sectors most vulnerable to water shortages.
The provincial government is also coordinating with the Philippine Red Cross, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Education and other concerned agencies to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities.
Emergency water facilities
From December 2026 to February 2027, the provincial government intends to implement mitigation measures focused on improving water storage, distribution and accessibility, particularly in communities with inadequate water infrastructure.
These measures include the installation of rainwater-harvesting cisterns, jet pumps, solar-powered pumps, communal faucets, pipelines, small water impounding facilities and reservoirs.
Hospitals will also receive additional water storage facilities to prevent disruptions in patient care during periods of severe water scarcity.
“We intend to buy additional water tanks for our hospitals because the governor believes that no patient should ever go without clean, water. We intent to procure water tanks of 10,000 liter each one for every LGU,” Buyco said.
The proposed procurement of 10,000-liter water tanks for every LGU is expected to strengthen local emergency water storage capacity and provide an additional safeguard against prolonged interruptions in water supply.
Water rationing on standby
The provincial government’s emergency response component, covering December 2026 to May 2027, will focus on maintaining water availability as dry conditions intensify.
Authorities are preparing for emergency water distribution, rationing and bulk water procurement to assist communities experiencing severe shortages.
“From December to May when the drying months, we intend to ready with water distribution, rationing and bulk water procurement. The total investment for this plan is P48.75 million for the more than 2 million Ilonggos who defend on us. I believe it is a modest price for un interrupted supply of dignity,” Buyco said.
He emphasized that the provincial government intends to pursue aggressive water security measures rather than wait for drought conditions to worsen before addressing deficiencies in water infrastructure.
The initiative also underscores the need to develop better water catchment systems and strengthen long-term water conservation and storage capabilities to reduce the province’s vulnerability to recurring dry spells./PN
