Record-high temperatures are being reported all over the globe and the Philippines is no exception. In fact, Monday, July 3, was the world’s hottest day on record, exceeding an average of 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time, according to US meteorologists.
To further exacerbate the situation, the El Niño weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean is now underway, as confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization. The effects of this weather phenomenon such as drought, water shortage and inclement weather will most likely be felt for the rest of the year and until 2024.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been at the forefront of monitoring the impact of climate change and El Niño in the Asian region, and results of its studies are dire. The ADB said while the effects of El Niño are global and widespread, this weather phenomenon hits Asian countries the hardest. Drought becomes a more common occurrence, leading to energy, food, and water insecurity, it said.
‘How the WRMO will monitor and handle compliance with its directive will tell us if it really has teeth.’
Without yet a government department to handle water resources conservation and management, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has created the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) which is attached to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to lead all government agencies involved in water management and use in coping with the nascent water crisis.
The newly created agency asked all barangay officials and residential managers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to advise their residents to conserve water as the country struggles to mitigate this year’s El Niño.
The WRMO issued a bulletin instructing village officials as well as condominium and subdivision managers to advise their residents to save water by limiting its use, such as in watering their decorative plants and washing their vehicles. Every opportunity to recycle water such as that used for laundry and dishwashing should be taken, the agency said.
We do not know how much power this new office created by the President has.
The new office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier directed all government agencies to strictly implement water conservation measures. How the WRMO will monitor and handle compliance with its directive will tell us if it really has teeth. Its other issuance, an order to all local government units in the National Capital Region to fast track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water, is easy to comply with, and the mayors will just be too willing to cooperate.
The WRMO’s other plans such as the conduct of spot inspections of office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures is expected to produce good results. It will also help the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System in reviewing the monthly water bills of all government agencies and issue notices on excessive use of water.
A request to the public to honor its sense of duty by reporting water leaks in streets and public places is another WRMO initiative that should merit everybody’s support.
