MMDA tells LGUs: Prepare anti-El Niño measures

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila should prepare measures to mitigate the potential ill effects of the looming El Niño phenomenon or dry spell, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

In a press briefing, acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the El Niño task forces of each of the metropolis’ 16 cities and one municipality should “submit their proposed plans” to the Metro Manila Council, the MMDA’s policy-making body, which is set to convene before the end of the month.

Citing government experts, he said the dry spell may occur from July this year until February next year.

Experts warned that Metro Manila could suffer not only a water supply shortage but also massive flooding since the weather phenomenon could also produce heavy rainfall and powerful tropical cyclones, Artes noted.

One measure Artes mentioned was for LGUs to talk to businesses with significant water consumption, like golf courses. He noted that hospitals could be the most critical establishments that would need a constant supply of water.

Artes also reported that the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System had proposed tapping water treatment plants to filter water from other sources like Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay.

The MMDA could also deploy its 120 potable solar water filtration systems and two massive water filter systems that could perform reverse osmosis, a process for purifying water, he said.

Actress tapped as MMDA spokesperson

Meanwhile, Artes said in a press briefing that he “personally recruited” actress Ria Atayde to become the agency’s new spokesperson.

“She graciously agreed,” he said.

Artes “submitted the application and endorsement” of Atayde to Malacañang, with the position of MMDA spokesperson to be designated as assistant secretary.

Aside from being a communications degree graduate from De La Salle University, Atayde’s celebrity status would be “beneficial to the agency as far as information dissemination is concerned,” Artes said.

He described Atayde as an “empowered woman,” recalling her statements about body positivity when she received flak for becoming a print model for a whiskey brand.

Atayde is a sister of actor and Quezon City District 1 Rep. Arjo Atayde. She would replace lawyer Melissa Carunungan as spokesperson.