THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has urged the public to brace for the approaching “hot dry” season from March to May – a period characterized by high temperatures and less rainfall.
Among many things, the call means people should start conserving water. Foremost of our concerns is food security because prolonged drought would drastically cut down the production of local crops like rice, corn, sugar cane, vegetables and other agricultural products. It can also cause a decrease in fisheries yield.
Communities should also start water conservation programs. Households should avoid excessive water use and practice reusing water.
Local government units (LGUs) could put up rainwater harvesting facilities in all barangays as part of water conservation program. Such system would help address water shortage during the dry season, while making use of the excess water from rainfall.
We are already experiencing hot temperatures, but rain showers occur every now and then. A rainwater catchment system could avoid or decrease the volume of flood.
The creation of rainwater catchment basins is mandated by Republic Act 6716, a law enacted in 1989 that requires the construction of water wells, rainwater collectors, development of springs and rehabilitation of existing water wells in all barangays in the country. These catchment systems can be built using low-cost local materials. But while the system is not yet in place, the people can use drums to store rainwater especially in areas being frequented by rains. We just have to make sure that water is stored properly so it would not become a breeding place for mosquitoes.
We have to implement programs such as these water catchment basins that bring multiple benefits of water conservation, flood prevention and food production.
