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The Impact of El Nio on Cebus Water Supply and

the Mitigating Measures Adopted

Engr. Pancratio Abad Jr., ME


Engr. Patrick Joey Ollier, PME, Ph.D
Engr. Erwin Eligino, CE
Abstract

Occurring every two to nine years, El Nio brings either heavy rain or drought that may
last for a year and may heavily impact the agricultural sector, the supply of water and power in the
country. And with less rainfall, shortage of water supply becomes prevalent, leading to water-
rationing in some cases.
Qualitative and survey methods were employed to know how the El Nio phenomenon
affects the water supply in Metro Cebu and how does the water supplier, Metro Cebu Water
District, addresses the issue.
Actual 100 concessionaire-participants were randomly selected to answer relevant
questions and it is found out that there is a need of water-rationing in the areas of Metro Cebu
because of the drought the country is experiencing. Moreover, the mountainous areas are the most
affected of the dry spell which prompts the MCWD to use methods to provide the locals water
needs.
Water is indeed life, thus, it has to be conserved and properly utilized.
Introduction

By 2025, two-thirds of the worlds population may be threatened by water scarcity, UN Water
estimated. United Nations

Early in March 2015, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) confirmed the onset of El Nio in the country and warned that the
phenomenon had strengthened.
El Nio is the unusual warming in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific. It starts
between December to February and has a biennial cycle or is often preceded and or followed by
La Nina. Decreased rainfall is expected during the course of the phenomenon and the Philippines
is likely to experience drought or dry conditions.
During the periods 1997-1998, 2002-2003, and 2009-2010, El Nios have historically
caused disasters and in 1997-1998 alone, which had a large negative effect on agricultural output
in Asia, approximately 2.6 million Filipinos were affected by drought and 3.9 million by cyclone
damage. Over the years, there were severe water shortages across the country which was very
evident by the 3 billion pesos loss in agriculture sector alone. Mitigation and adaptation
mechanisms have been made to prevent the wider ill-effects of El Nio. On a national level, the
Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Nio (RAIN) prioritizes the protection of food, energy
sector, health, and safety.

A Theoretical Stance
This study is not grounded on any study because it only deals with a specific problem on
the occurrence of the El Nio phenomenon.

Research Problem
The study aims to answer the following questions:
1. What are the impacts on the shortage of water supply;
2. What are the mitigating measures being implemented by the Metropolitan Cebu
Water District (MCWD).
Method
This research employed qualitative and survey method to derive the necessary results.
Actual 100 water concessionaires of MCWD were selected randomly to participate in this study.
The 100 concessionaires were located in various barangays of Metro Cebu and were personally
interviewed on relevant questions pertaining to the research conducted.
The interview answers given by the concessionaires and the pertinent statistical data were
recorded. The participants and their answers were treated with utmost confidentiality. No
participant was selected by reason of economic status, position or any other discriminatory form.

Results and Discussions


All 100 concessionaire-participants were asked for the following questions:
1. What are the impacts on the shortage of water supply;
2. What are the mitigating measures being implemented by the Metropolitan Cebu
Water District (MCWD).
From the questions posed, the following answers were gathered:
1. Walay muagas nga tubig sa gripo panahon sa buntag alas kwatro hantod alas dies
sa gabii. (No water comes out from the faucet during the day around 4 a.m to 10 p.m)
2. Maghulat mi nga makapundo ug tubig kay muagas kadlawn na. (We wait until
dawn to fill our tanks/containers with water)
3. Ang MCWD nigamit sa ilang water tankers para makadeliver ug tubig panahon sa
buntag. (MCWD uses their water tankers to deliver water in mountainous barangays
during the day.)
4. Ang MCWD ni-schedule puli-puli ug agas, inoras. (MCWD conducts rationing-
water schedule.)
5. Nidako among bayranan sa tubig bisan hangin ra ang mugawas walay tubig. (Our
water bill increased even though no water and only air passes through the pipes.)

During the onset of El Nio phenomenon, there is scarcity of water supply, thus, there
is a need to rationing of water supply to cater the needs of the community. Most affected
concessionaires are located in mountainous or elevated barangays since they experience
low pressure. MCWD addresses this problem by filling up their water tankers to augment
their water needs during day time since the concessionaire-participants can only collect
water during night time. Moreover, the demands in the low-land areas are very low.
It is evident that the water bills arise even if there is no water coming out from the
faucet because of the pressure within the system. Concessionaires are being informed to
turn off their main valves when not in use and open on the scheduled service supply.
Recommendations:
In order to mitigate the harmful impacts of El Nio on water supply, the following steps
are proposed:
Proactivity and Increased Public Education Citizens need to be more involved and
educated on the impacts of water scarcity and in decision making process that affect water
management policies;

Efficient Farming Practices the government and the citizens need to look for alternative
crops that use less water;

Reuse/Conservation of Household Water Installation of catchment basin per barangay, if


possible per household and minimization of energy and water use;

Fines and Penalties Wastewater fees should be increased, with high fees and fines for
those who pollute and waste water resources; and

Assist the government in the protection of groundwater resources.

Sources:
Department of Labor and Employment. (October 8, 2015). Baldoz assures assistance to workers
to be affected by El Nio as DOLE readies P649.81M allocation for emergency employment.
Retrieved March 22, 2016, from http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/view/2941.
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. (February 2, 2016). 2015-2016 El Nio:
Early action and response for agriculture, food security, and nutrition
Hilario, F., R. De Guzman, D. Ortega, P. Hayman, and B. Alexander. El Nio Southern Oscillation
in the Philippines: Impacts, forecasts, and risk management. Philippine Journal of Development
September, 200936 (2):8
Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, Philippine Council for
Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development, Department of Science
and Technology. (1999). Impacts of El Nio on Philippine fisheries. Los Baos, Laguna. Page xiv)
www.gov.ph/laginghanda/el-nino/
http://www.irinnews.org/news/2016/02/19/el-ni%C3%B1o-hits-philippines-farmers-drought-rats

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