HRDO: City offices can’t track water-saving measures

CEBU, Philippines — The Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) has clarified to the Cebu City Council that office-specific water conservation efforts cannot be quantified because government offices do not have individual water meters.

In its June 15, 2026 response to Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 17-3684-2026, the HRDO explained that only the Department of General Services can provide overall consumption records, as it manages utility data for the city.

Despite this limitation, HRDO assured the council of its continued support for programs promoting prudent water use, particularly during the ongoing El Niño season.

HRDO emphasized that it had already taken proactive steps to address the council’s call for conservation.

Late last month, the said office issued Memorandum No. HR-2026-053, mandating all Cebu City government employees to adopt strict water-saving practices.

The rules prohibited the use of showers in office facilities, required vehicle washing to be done only with pails and cloths, banned the use of continuously running taps for dishwashing, and instructed employees to report leaks immediately, and avoid unnecessary flushing.

The memorandum was noted by City Administrator Albert Tan and framed it as part of the city’s collective response to El Niño which could persist into 2027. — /BRP (FREEMAN)