BACOLOD CITY - In response to the severe drought conditions induced by El Niño, the city government of Bacolod has launched 'Patubig Sa Barangay,' a program designed to deliver water to communities grappling with scarce supplies. This intervention aims to mitigate the impact of the dry spell and ensure residents have access to essential water resources.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative underscores the city's commitment to maintaining water access during the El Niño phenomenon and amidst the ongoing enhancements by the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa)-Primewater. On a recent Wednesday, the city dispatched water trucks to various locales, including Barangays 32, 33, and 26, following distributions in Purok Masagana, Purok Progreso, Purok Tumpok in Barangay Taculing, and the Bata Elementary School.
Mayor Benitez highlighted the critical nature of this initiative, asserting that it is imperative for all households to have dependable and clean water sources. Additionally, the city plans to equip water trucks with filtration systems to ensure the distributed water is potable.
The mayor encouraged villages in need of water assistance to engage with the Public Affairs and Assistance Division for organizing delivery schedules, collaborating closely with fire stations and water truck operators. The Bureau of Fire Protection-Bacolod City Fire Station has also participated in this effort, extending support to neighborhoods with insufficient water since the previous month at the behest of local officials.
In a broader strategy to enhance the city's water infrastructure, Mayor Benitez recently established a coordinating action team tasked with accelerating the implementation of critical water supply improvements. This team, led by Benitez, aims to foster a unified response and foster collaboration across various sectors to address the city's water challenges, especially considering a reported 15 percent decrease in water source levels, a situation exacerbated by the current El Niño conditions.