DENR heightens measures vs El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has strengthened its mitigation measures against the ongoing El Niño.

The DENR’s heightened preparations include building additional water sources, promoting water conservation, protecting watersheds and forests, preventing forest fires, safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems and protecting personnel from extreme heat.

El Niño is expected to bring increased risks of prolonged dry conditions, reduced water availability and extreme heat in parts of the country.

“With the critical action window now upon us, every DENR unit must proactively execute climate adaptation and risk reduction protocols,” DENR chief Juan Miguel Cuna said.

Among its measures, the DENR has constructed small water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems to provide additional water supply during periods of limited rainfall.

Its regional offices and attached agencies are also strengthening water conservation, watershed monitoring, forest-fire prevention, ecosystem protection and heat-safety measures in coordination with local governments and other stakeholders.

In Central Luzon, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Pampanga and regional field units are conducting information campaigns in barangays and community colleges in Guagua and Lubao to promote simple water-saving practices such as using buckets instead of hoses, reusing greywater, repairing leaks and harvesting rainwater.

In Caraga, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau advised mining companies and processing plants to manage water demand, check for leaks, harvest rainwater and establish cooling stations and early warning systems for extreme heat. Advisories have also been sent to provincial governors to strengthen local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and monitor critical watersheds.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Management Bureau in the Davao Region has strengthened health and safety measures for field personnel, including limiting high-exposure outdoor work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing personal protective equipment and ensuring continuous hydration.

These measures help secure water for communities during dry periods, protect forests and watersheds and safeguard people and livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems.

Water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems provide additional sources of water when rainfall is limited, while conservation efforts help make available supplies last longer.

Protecting forests and watersheds also help maintain the natural systems that collect, store and regulate water.

‘Don’t hoard bottled water’

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in a statement, assured the public of enough supply of bottled water in the market and urged consumers not to hoard.

“The department will intensify price monitoring and continue to coordinate closely with manufacturers and distributors to ensure a steady supply in the market,” it said.

In addition, the DTI said it would closely monitor and address complaints on overpriced plastic drums, water containers and other related commodities.

“Businesses and sellers are reminded to act responsibly and refrain from taking advantage of the situation through unjustified price increases,” the DTI said.

It also warned businesses selling overpriced items of penalties and sanctions under existing laws. — Louella Desiderio