GMA orders government agencies to conserve water

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has ordered government agencies to conserve water to blunt the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon that is expected to worsen in the coming months.

Mrs. Arroyo reactivated the El Niño Task Force last week and ordered the release of P1.7 billion to fund the mitigation of the effects of the dry spell in agriculture and fisheries.

The dry spell, if it becomes severe, is expected to damage up to P20 billion worth of agriculture and fisheries assets in six months.

The El Niño phenomenon, which started to be felt in various parts of the country since October last year, is also expected to cause frequent power outage and tightening of food supply.

Deputy presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said Malacañang is also urging private firms, especially those that use plenty of water, to conserve and recycle water. 

“We are asking each government agency and office to check and plug leaking pipes and faucets. The government has many buildings and establishments and these measures can help greatly (in addressing the effects of El Niño),” Saludo said in an interview with government radio station dzRB.

Saludo also appealed for understanding from communities that will be affected by water rationing.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said there are 23 areas that are “highly vulnerable” and 24 areas that are “moderately vulnerable” to water scarcity.

The highly vulnerable areas are Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga City, Sarangani and South Cotabato.

The moderately vulnerable areas are Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Romblon, Sorsogon, Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Samar, Zamboanga Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga Sur, Bukidnon, Davao Oriental, Davao Sur and Davao City.

El Niño effect to be mild

Citing the assessment of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Agriculture Undersecretary Bernardo Fondevilla said the dry spell this year would be moderate. But without government intervention, agricultural losses could reach P10 billion in six months.

“We’re looking at close to P10 billion (in losses), if the effect is mild. If the effect is severe, and that’s unlikely, then the losses would be greater,” Fondevilla said.

He said agricultural damage may reach P20 billion if the dry spell becomes severe.

“We’re hoping that with the intervention, we will wipe out, if not keep it (damage) to very minimum levels,” he said.

Fondevilla said the P1.7-billion El Niño fund would be raised by realigning some of the funds of the DA’s other programs.