All chief executives have been directed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strictly implement water conservation measures in their respective localities due to the persisting dry conditions caused by El Niño.
In Memorandum Circular No. 2024-065 issued last May 3, 2024, DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr. ordered governors and mayors not only to comply with recent government issuances relative to water conservation but also to monitor each office’s water consumption and possible leaks by installing separate water meters.
The circular also urged the shutdown of main building water pipe valves from 7PM to 6AM the following day, with building administrators to regularly check for leaks and faulty fixtures, especially in toilets, as well as hidden water pipe leaks.
It likewise recommended the promotion of rainwater harvesting and storage in all government offices and facilities, with the water to be used in cleaning premises or watering plants.
A survey of the number of people in each office should be conducted, the circular stated, to ensure that each employee does not consume more than 50 liters of water per day in office buildings.
“Furthermore, encourage occupants of households and condominiums to consume not more than 180 liters per day,” it added.
Punong barangays are also directed to conduct massive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns in their communities to inform, encourage and assist residents to conserve water by monitoring leaks, maximizing the use of water catchment systems, reducing activities that consume a large amount of water, and using rinse and laundry water to clean floors, flush toilets and water the plants.
According to the latest Climate Outlook issued by PAGASA, Catanduanes will still have below normal rainfall this May even as El Niño continues to weaken and transition into La Niña starting June 2024.
The weather agency forecast near normal rainfall for the island province starting June until September, with above normal precipitation predicted by October.
The dry day forecast stated that the island will have 20 days with less than 1mm of rain this month, 13 in June, 16 each in July to September, and 11 in October.
Ten to 13 tropical cyclones are expected from May to October, with 1 or 2 storms each this May and June, and 2 or 3 each from July to October.
Based on records from 1948 to 2023, the average tropical cyclone frequency for May is 0.9, PAGASA reported, rising to 1.5 for June, 3.2 for July, 3.1 for August, 3.0 for September and 2.6 for October.