15 city brgys experience ‘water crisis’

CEBU, Philippines - At least 15 of the 80 barangays in Cebu City are experiencing “water crisis”, attributing the same to the presence of El Niño.

Yesterday, the captains of Barangay Babag, Malubog, Pung-ol Sibugay, Lusaran, Guba, Binaliw, Sapangdaku, Buhisan, Busay, Adlaon, Kalunasan, Budlaan, Cambinocot, Sirao and Pamutan went to the office of Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella to seek assistance.

Babag Captain Cesar Dolorito said access to water in the barangay has not been easy but the situation worsened in recent days.

“Karon nga naa na ta sa El Niño, nisamot ang kainit, huwaw na gyud sa among barangay maong ni-anhi gyud mi para mangayo og tabang sa city government para maluwas mi sa krisis sa tubig,” he said.

Dolorito said at least 300 residents in three villages are affected by the situation.

“Naay duha ka sitio akong nahibaw-an nga maligo sulod sa palanggana para gamiton ang tubig sa CR para maka-save og tubig unya ang usa ka sitio nag-problema gihapon og tubig pero part sad niini adunay tubig,” he said.

The barangay buys water at P10 per cubic meter.

Meanwhile, Sapangdaku Captain Lorna Damalerio said the barangay’s river and spring are on the brink of drying up completely.

“Naay sapa pero nihubas na, ang ato pong spring naay gamay tubig pero padung napud hubas. Pait kaayo kun dili mag-uwan. Mas maayo nga naay assistance sa city government,” she said.

She said up to 70 percent of the residents in the barangay are being affected by the crisis. Some sitios buy water at P30 per drum, but it is reportedly not potable since the water comes from a deep well.

For his part, Malubog Captain Majorita Cangmaong said the flower farmers are the ones greatly affected by the mild El Niño.

“Lisod sa tubig kay sapa nauga na. Naay portion sa barangay naay tubig pero wala’y hose ug barrel and namatay ang mga buwak kay lisod og tubig,” she said.

She asked the city to register the barangay’s water tanker so that the same can be utilized.

Labella said he will request the Bureau of Fire Protection-7 to provide water to the barangays concerned. He will also ask the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to allow these barangays to access the water district’s fire hydrants.

Save energy

As people most likely use appliances more this season to cool off from the heat, the Department of Energy reminded yesterday that it is still important to try to conserve energy at the household level.

DOE-7 Director Antonio Labios yesterday urged local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations, corporate firms, and the academe to be at the forefront of the campaign.

In particular, he asked the sectors to support the global “lights out” initiative known as Earth Hour on March 28. Supporters will turn off their lights for an hour from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“We should be conscious in saving energy, to practice energy conservation measures. If we could save (energy) for an hour, how much more if we count up to more than an hour. We could be saving a great amount of energy,” Labios said.

According to the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) registry of franchise areas in Cebu, last year’s Earth House was able to save two megawatts, which can power 100,000 light bulbs.

In 2013, the energy saved reached 11 megawatts and 2.78 megawatts the year before.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas recently issued a directive for local government units to support Earth Hour by switching off nonessential lights.

Roxas said good governance is not only about serving the people, but also saving the environment.

DILG-7 chief Ananias Villacorta said they are yet to receive a formal copy of Roxas’ order but will support the Earth House, nevertheless.

“We are in support of Earth Hour, but as of right now, we still have no move regarding the matter since we have to wait for their go signal but we are expecting it (official written proposal) anytime this week,” he said.

He pointed out that one potential impact of El Niño could be drought, which might affect hydroelectric production. There are three hydro-power plants in Cebu – in Mantayupan in Barili and in Matutinao and Basak 1, both in Badian town. — (FREEMAN)