The cold spell Lagunenses have been experiencing in the past few weeks have, unfortunately, served to hide one uncomfortable fact: the El Niño phenomenon is already here.
The latest assessment of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) shows that Laguna province, among 50 other provinces in the country, is already experiencing a “dry condition” due to the effects of El Niño.
What’s worse, PAGASA says the effects of El Niño could last until May, which is usually the hottest month of the year in the Philippines – and when water demand is usually at an all-time high.
While authorities say water levels at most dams in Luzon can adequately supply water up to that month, the public is still advised to conserve water resources.
And let’s be clear here: everyone, from large businesses and industries who usually draw a lot of water for their operations to local government units, should do their own part in conserving our water resources.
All the more so since the prospects of using Laguna Lake as a viable water source is still as clear as mud notwithstanding efforts undertaken by the private sector to rehabilitate the lake, including a new P7.8-billion water treatment facility opened in Pakil last year.
In fact, LGUs should already coordinate with national government agencies (if they haven’t yet) to ensure that the possible effects of the El Niño phenomenon are mitigated, particularly in the agriculture sector that is already taking a beating from the effects of inflation, mismanagement and smuggling.
There’s no time to waste on this critical issue. Water is one of the most valuable commodities we use in our daily lives. If we want to avert a water crisis, we must take steps now to ensure the proper use and conservation of our water resources.