As the Philippines prepares for a "very strong" El Niño, environmental group EcoWaste Coalition is urging the government and communities to focus on early water planning, conservation, and equitable distribution rather than panic-buying bottled water and plastic containers.
EcoWaste Coalition program manager and environmentalist Jove Benosa said authorities should begin by mapping existing water sources, estimating available supply, and matching it with demand from households, industries, and agriculture.
Palace tells public: Don’t panic, hoard water over El Niño
“Tingin ko napaka-importante iyong maagang pagpaplano. Magandang i-prioritize iyong pagko-conserve ng tubig at mga katubigan. Importante iyong ma-mapa saan nanggagaling ang mga water sources natin sa kasalukuyan at ma-estimate din iyong available na supply ng tubig,” Benosa said.
He said vulnerable communities should receive particular attention, especially those that have limited access to reliable water systems and whose residents still travel long distances to fetch water.
“Lalo na iyong demand sa mga sektor na nangangailangan primarily ng tubig. Ito iyong mga ordinary households, mga nasa industriya, pati na rin sa agrikultura. Kasi for sure, ito iyong mga sektor na maaapektuhan,” he added.
Benosa noted that some communities continue to rely on distant water sources, where residents may not always be assured that the water they collect is clean.
El Nino: A deadly 'postcard from the future'
The call comes as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) strengthens preparations for El Niño, including additional water sources, rainwater harvesting, water conservation and watershed protection.
Benosa said rainwater-harvesting systems should be developed at the community level and, where feasible, at the household level to supplement supplies during periods of reduced rainfall.
“Kapag sinabi kong infrastructural support, kasama na dito iyong mga rainwater harvesting na pwedeng ma-adapt sa mga community level. Mas maganda na may mga sistema na supporting structure na magbibigay at mag-e-ensure ng water supply,” he said.
He also urged local governments to establish water-rationing protocols before shortages become critical, particularly in communities with limited access to water.
Such protocols, he said, should clearly indicate which sectors receive priority, as well as schedules, delivery times, and the volume of water available on particular days.
REUSABLE CONTAINERS OVER PLASTIC STOCKPILES
Benosa also warned against excessive stockpiling of bottled water and plastic containers amid concerns over possible hoarding and profiteering.
Instead, he urged communities to strengthen water-refilling systems where residents can obtain clean water using reusable containers.
“Instead siguro na mag-imbak ng mga tubig na tulad ng mineral, makakatulong kung mas i-manage natin iyong supply ng ating tubig. Gumamit tayo ng mga mas reusable na lalagyan," he said.
DA says enough food supply despite 'super El Niño' threat
“Kung halimbawa sa mga community, maganda na may mga water refilling stations tayo kasi doon na lang magkakaroon ng water rationing sa mga stations na ito, at ma-e-ensure natin na iyong mga tao, imbes na bibili ng mga bottled water na magko-cause pa ng mga pagdami ng mga plastic plastic waste,” he added.
MAKE CONSERVATION PART OF DAILY LIFE
For Benosa, preparations should extend beyond the expected dry period. He said El Niño and climate change require long-term water management rather than responses that are activated only when shortages become severe.
At the household level, Benosa urged residents to check for leaking pipes and damaged faucets and to make sure every family member understands the importance of avoiding water waste.
He said responsible water use should apply to everyday activities, including drinking, bathing, washing, caring for pets, and watering plants.
“Bahagi dapat ito ng ordinaryong buhay at hindi lang sa ngayon na nararanasan na natin itong paparating na El Niño. I think napaka-importante iyong gawain na mamulat tayo sa pagiging hindi aksayado at pagiging masinop sa buhay sa paggamit ng mga resources na ito,” Benosa said.