Mandaue City is looking to establish a multisectoral task force to coordinate preparations for possible prolonged dry spells, extreme heat and water shortages as the effects of El Niño intensify.
The Mandaue City Council approved two resolutions Monday, Oct. 5, proposing the creation of an El Niño Task Force and a comprehensive action plan to prepare the city for the potential impacts of the weather phenomenon.
Both resolutions were authored by Councilor Carlo Fortuna, who said the city should strengthen preparations before water shortages and extreme heat become emergencies.
“We are suggesting to the Office of the Mayor to create a task force for the El Niño,” Fortuna said.
The proposed task force would be chaired by the local chief executive, with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and City Health Office (CHO) serving as lead agencies.
It would have separate Water Security and Public Health and Safety branches involving city departments, barangays, water providers and other concerned sectors.
The Water Security Branch would coordinate with water providers on leak monitoring, alternative water sources and localized water rationing.
The Public Health and Safety Branch would monitor heat-related illnesses and coordinate the deployment of emergency response resources.
The council also called for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive El Niño action plan and possible augmentation of the city’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) to finance anticipatory measures.
Among the proposed measures is the procurement of emergency water containers and large-capacity water tanks for vulnerable communities.
The city would also coordinate with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and other water suppliers and establish predictable schedules for localized water rationing if needed.
For public health, the proposed plan includes heat-related health protocols and ensuring that barangay health centers have adequate supplies of oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids and essential medicines.
The city is also considering community cooling hubs in public facilities to provide relief during periods of extreme heat.
City offices would be tasked to assess fire risks in densely populated areas, clear drainage systems, rehabilitate community artesian wells for non-potable use and encourage establishments to recycle water.
Fortuna specifically cited businesses that consume large amounts of water, including car washes and water refilling stations, saying their operations should be assessed for possible water-saving and recycling measures.
Other proposed measures include setting up hydration stations and misting tents in high-traffic areas, adjusting school and outdoor work schedules during peak heat hours and preserving urban greenery.
Barangay disaster risk reduction committees would also be asked to identify vulnerable residents, including infants, senior citizens and bedridden individuals.
The committees would prepare for possible localized water disruptions, including conducting drills for water-truck deliveries.
Fortuna said the proposed measures are intended to shift the city toward preparedness and anticipatory action instead of waiting for water shortages and extreme heat to develop into emergencies.
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