THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) met with stakeholders in Metro Manila to discuss strategies on how to prevent water shortage amid the El Niño phenomenon.

"We at the DILG are exerting all efforts to ensure that all sectors are on board and are cooperating," DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said in a statement.

DILG Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba discussed the importance of a unified ordinance for the issuance of village clearances that would hasten pipe replacement and active leakage repair work.

The stakeholders have agreed that communication, coordination, cooperation and commitment must be observed among water concessionaires in the implementation of measures to stave off the effects of El Niño.

In July 2023, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon in the Tropical Pacific, with its effects expected in the Philippines.

The state weather bureau said the phenomenon might last until May and transition to El Niño southern oscillation-neutral until June.

The meeting, held over the weekend, was attended by DILG officials; Liga ng mga Barangay presidents in the National Capital Region; village heads from the cities of Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Manila and Caloocan; and representatives from Maynilad Water Services Inc., Manila Water Co. Inc., Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and Pagasa.

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