Call for water conservation
DESPITE an earlier declaration of the start of the rainy season, the government sees the need for the public to engage in water conservation. There is an unexplained dry spell that has hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces and a water shortage and lower agricultural production loom if the drought-like condition continues in the coming weeks.As reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country is expected to have below normal rainfall this August, particularly in most parts of Luzon, some parts of the Visayas, as well as central and eastern Mindanao. If this forecast comes true, Regions I (Ilocos) to V (Bicol region), especially some areas in Region III (Central Luzon), will be in danger of a water crisis. The same condition is forecast for Region VI (Western Visayas) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
PAGASA sees lower water levels in the major dams servicing these areas – Angat Dam, Magat Dam, and Pantabangan Dam. This month of July, below-normal rainfall was registered in Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Ilocos provinces. La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Agusan del Norte. Last June, below-normal rainfall was noted in Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales and Metro Manila.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has mobilized various government agencies to prepare for a possible drought in Luzon. She directed the National Disaster Coordinating Council to launch an information campaign to raise public awareness about water conservation. She directed the Department of Agriculture to plant "drought-resistant" crops that do not require much water to grow.
The current situation indicates how much of a precious resource water is. Let us all do our share in preventing a worsening of the condition – CONSERVE WATER!
