Senator Grace Poe has raised anew the need to create a Department of Water Resources amid the increasing consumers’ demand for water, particularly during El Niño season in the country. 

“We need this new body amid the rising demand for water with the population growth and increasing commercial activities,” Poe said over the weekend. 

Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System expressed confidence that the water supply will be sufficient until next year despite the threat of a dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon. 

The MWSS also said it has “prepared extensively” for the emerging effects of dry spell season in the country. 

“The assurance of the MWSS that it has prepared extensively for El Nino is welcome news to consumers who have to grapple with the water shortage yearly when rains fall short,” Poe said. 

The senator emphasized that the preparations of the country’s water regulator and concessionaires during the dry months should be complemented by proper policies in place “to spare people from the brunt of the perennial water crisis.” 

“Mahalaga na laging may dumadaloy na malinis na tubig sa bawat tahanan. Sana naman hindi na ito kailangan pilahan ng ating mga kababayan kapag may El Nino (It is important that there is always running clean water in every home. I hope our countrymen don’t have to queue for  it when there is El Niño),” she said. 

Thus, Poe said there’s a need for establishing an agency that would directly address water problems in the country. 

“We will continue to work for the passage of our bill creating a Department of Water Resources to lead and consolidate whole-of-society efforts for the comprehensive and integrated development and management of water resources,” she said.

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Solidum earlier said the El Niño phenomenon may reach its peak by April next week—slightly different from the previous forecast that it will be in May.

However, Solidum noted that next year’s drought will not affect CARAGA and some parts of the Davao Region.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Gatchalian said they are closely working with the Department of Agriculture and the United Nations – World Food Program, for the pilot implementation of Project LAWA or the Local Adaptation to Water Access in selected municipalities to address the looming impact of El Niño phenomenon. 

Gatchalian said the “initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering early actions that contribute to long-term resilience and sustainability in the face of climate-related challenges.”

Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order reconstituting the Task Force El Niño to continue the developed water conservation programs “to mitigate the effects of dry spells” in the country.

Solidum previously said around 65 provinces in the country are likely to be affected by severe drought next year.