Iloilo City escalates actions vs heatwave

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

Mayor Jerry Treñas on April 1 indicated that Iloilo City might amplify current measures to combat the surging heat index, which could include prolonging a suspension on face-to-face classes and a citywide tree-planting initiative.

In a regular press briefing, Mayor Treñas referred to PAGASA’s heat index projections, foreseeing temperatures of 42°C to 51°C in the city this week.

He mentioned the potential extension of Executive Order No. 047 Series of 2024, initially halting in-person classes across all basic education levels to safeguard students amid the scorching heat, emphasizing the lack of air conditioning in many city schools.

“Many schools in the city, except for some private schools do not have [air conditioner], and without [that], it would be difficult for them. While there are electric fans including in new [public] school buildings, it would still be difficult for them,” Treñas said.

But on Monday evening, he issued Executive Order No. 047-A, Series of 2023, which allows private schools in the city to return to face-to-face classes on Tuesday, April 2, provided that they have adequate facilities amid the extreme weather.

Additionally, the Mayor has tasked the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to intensify tree planting in various locales, including open spaces and subdivisions, and is exploring which tree species would best suit the Sunset Boulevard, with planting potentially commencing by June.

Concerning water resources, Treñas noted a decrease in the water levels of the city’s wells. A conclusive response is pending the analysis of the final report, but he asserted readiness to declare a state of calamity should the water supply become critically scarce, with priority given to the most affected barangays.

WATER SUPPLY

On the potable water supply front, Treñas is confident in Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’s (MPIW) ability to sustain normal service to Iloilo City and its environs, despite its downstream position in the supply chain.

He cited the recent lease of the pipeline owned by the Villar family’s PrimeWater Infrastructure, Inc., to the Florete-owned FLO Water Resources, Inc., one of the MPIW’s major bulk water suppliers.

The agreement adds 10 million liters per day (MLD) to the prior existing 20 MLD supplied by FLO Water to the MPIW.

MPIW also adjusted its water supply schedule on March 26, with ensured complete water access to their service areas in Cabatuan, Maasin, San Miguel, Pavia West, Oton, Leganes, and Jaro North.

The following service areas, meanwhile, have had scheduled water supply until further notice:

–       Arevalo So-oc, Mandurriao, Pavia East, and Santa Barbara (5:00 am to 11:00 am); and

–       Arevalo, Iloilo City Proper, Mandurriao South, Jaro South, La Paz, and Molo (5:00 pm to 2:00 am).

MPIW told the media via Viber on Monday that their water supply has remained “in good position”, but stopped short of complete assurances, saying that they were on heightened alert due to low water level in the Maasin Dam.

The firm also monitors levels from raw water sources in the Tigum, Jalaur, and Aganan Rivers.

The latest water supply advisory as of April 1 indicated that Dam Water Level was only at 93.80 meters or only 0.20m above the critical level (93.60m), and the Total Bulk Water Supply is at 70.540 MLD or only 5.540 MLD above the critical level (65 MLD).

The normal operating levels according to the MPIW are at 94.85m dam water level and 71 MLD of bulk water supply.