CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Pampanga officials are coordinating with national agencies and water utilities to protect the province's water supply as the country prepares for the possible effects of a strong El Niño.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda led an interagency meeting at the Capitol's Executive House on October 20 to discuss measures to maintain an adequate and reliable water supply amid extreme heat and reduced rainfall.
The meeting brought together government agencies, local water districts and private water companies to discuss preparations for potential shortages.
Government agencies join water security talks
Among the officials present were Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Administrator Atty. Jose Moises Salonga, DPWH Region 3 Director Arnold Ocampo, and Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office engineer Arthur Punsalan.
Representatives from 12 local water districts also attended, along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3, DENR-PENRO Pampanga, the DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc., and Clark Water Corporation.
The provincial government emphasized the need for stronger coordination and early action to help prevent water shortages during the anticipated dry spell.
Bulk water supply among options
Dizon said the government is studying the use of surface water from the Pampanga River and other waterways to reduce dependence on groundwater.
Manila Water has also proposed a bulk water facility that would draw from the province's river systems to supplement available supplies. The proposal remains under study, according to reports.
The initiative could help address water shortages while supporting efforts to manage the province's water resources.
What's next?
The latest discussions form part of broader preparations for El Niño, which could bring below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry conditions.
Officials have yet to announce a detailed implementation timeline for the proposed water supply measures.
