Bacolod ramps up water rationing amid El Niño crisis

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – To combat the severe water shortage intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, the city government has forged partnerships with various organizations and a corporation.

Manila Water Company Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Amity and Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigades, the Philippine Red Cross, and the Office of Councilor Cindy Rojas have joined forces for the “Patubig sa Barangay” initiative, signifying the city’s dedication to overcoming the extensive water scarcity.

The initiative, which began last Tuesday, will utilize seven water tankers. Contributions include three tankers from Manila Water Company Inc. and Manila Water Foundation, complementing those from the fire brigades, the Red Cross, and Councilor Rojas’ office.

Already, 843 households across six puroks of Barangay 27 have received water from this project, which is set to extend to Purok Himaya, Barangay Mansilingan, and additional areas in Barangays Mandalagan and Villamonte.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez took to Facebook to thank the partnering organizations for their efforts in alleviating the community’s hardships during this challenging El Niño season.

He encouraged residents to stay in touch with their local barangay offices for additional water supplies if necessary.

Additionally, motor pumps have been installed and tested at the Bocal Bocal spring in Barangay Alangilan as part of the city’s water rationing scheme, successfully filling a 5,000-liter tanker.

Previously, Baciwa-PrimeWater had reported a daily shortfall of 20 million liters (MLD) in the city’s water supply, a situation worsened by 12 percent or 15 MLD due to the dry spell.

A coordinated action team has been established by the city government to expedite infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the water supply.

Moreover, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod has proactively begun water rationing in Barangay Mandalagan to provide additional water to those impacted by the shortage.