ILOILO – The rains may still be falling, but Iloilo Province is not necessarily safe from a water supply problem.
The provincial government warned against a false sense of water security as some municipalities are already reporting declining water supplies ahead of a forecast strong to very strong El Niño in 2027.
The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) cautioned that the prevailing wet conditions do not guarantee sufficient water supplies in the coming months, particularly during the first and second quarters of 2027 when the anticipated El Niño could significantly affect the province.
Forester Mitzi S. Peñaflorida, PGENRO supervising environmental management specialist, said residents must begin conserving water rather than assume that the continued rainfall has eliminated the threat of shortages.
“Dapat conscious kita mag-conserve sang water. Don’t think nga kay naga-ulan, we have enough water,” Peñaflorida said.
She disclosed that while several municipalities still have adequate water supplies, others have already reported declining levels in wells, springs and other sources used by residents for their daily needs. However, she did not identify the areas.
To determine the province’s vulnerability to possible water shortages, PGENRO has directed all 43 local government units (LGUs) to conduct an inventory of their water sources, including deep wells, hand pumps and springs.
The assessment seeks to establish which sources remain functional, how much water is available and whether existing supplies can sustain communities during prolonged dry conditions.
“Please check those water sources sa mga municipalities… Enough pa bala? Para maka-prepare kita,” Peñaflorida said.
PGENRO is also monitoring water levels in dams to determine how long their reserves could last if the anticipated El Niño reduces available supplies.
Peñaflorida said authorities would immediately issue water conservation advisories once monitoring results indicate that supplies have fallen to alarming levels.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has prepared a P48.75-million water security plan that includes emergency water rationing in communities facing severe shortages.
Under the contingency arrangement, trucks from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) will deliver water to affected areas.
PGENRO and PEO have already identified potential water collection points to support emergency distribution operations.
She urged residents to practice water conservation now, stressing that early preparation is essential to minimizing the impact of possible shortages when the anticipated El Niño intensifies./PN
