GMA urges water conservation as dry spells sweep the country

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged all Filipinos on Wednesday to conserve water as the possibility of a critical water shortage looms in the wake of a "dry spell" sweeping the country.

The President made the call during a press briefing by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Makati City this morning.

The President had earlier keynoted the joint NDCC and the United Nations System in the Philippines' National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Risk Reduction held also at the same venue where she underscored the importance of being prepared in overcoming and coping with natural disasters.

"We need everybody to conserve water to mitigate this disturbance," President Arroyo said.

She directed the NDCC to prepare information kits and to launch an information campaign to increase awareness among the people on the need to conserve water.

The President also instructed the Department of Agriculture to plant "water-resistant" crops or plants that do not need much water to sustain growth.

This way, the President said, agricultural output would not be affected too much.

During the briefing, Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul informed the President that the country, particularly Luzon island was experiencing an "extended" dry spell for the past two months, when the rainy season should have been around already.

He said that if no rains come by next month, the possibility of drought might be declared in the regions.