MALABON CITY Mayor Jeannie Sandoval has strengthened coordination among local departments, barangay officials, utility providers, and partner agencies as it intensified preparations for the potential impact of El Niño, including water scarcity, extreme heat, increased fire risks, and possible disruptions to food supply and livelihoods.
"Preparations for El Niño require proper coordination among our offices, partner agencies, and villages. The cooperation of everyone is essential in conserving water, taking precautions against extreme heat, and preventing fires so we can protect the health, safety, and livelihoods of every Malabueño,” Sandoval told The Manila Times on Tuesday.
“I also encourage my constituents to use water responsibly and follow government advisories. Through collective action and early preparation, our city will be better equipped to face the possible challenges posed by El Niño," the mayor said.
Preparations took center stage at the Task Force El Niño meeting led by the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), she said.
With water conservation and emergency water supply emerging as key priorities, City Administrator Alex Rosete said that the local Environment and Natural Resources Office, Engineering Office, MDRRMO, villages and Maynilad have been identified as key partners in assessing water availability, identifying areas vulnerable to supply interruptions, checking public facilities for leaks, promoting responsible water consumption and appropriate water reuse, and preparing emergency water distribution arrangements.
To protect residents from extreme heat, the City Health Office, Ospital ng Malabon, MDRRMO, and barangay health workers were tasked with coordinating the dissemination of heat advisories from the national weather agency, preparing for possible cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and identifying vulnerable residents who may need assistance, Rosete said.
Food security and livelihood protection were likewise included in the preparations.
Concerned city offices and partner agencies, including the City Social Welfare and Development, market authorities, and national agencies, were expected to help monitor the prices and availability of basic commodities and identify possible interventions in case of supply disruptions.
Top city officials also said targeted food assistance was considered if the situation worsens.
"It is important that the responsibilities of each office and partner agency are clear so that our response to the possible effects of El Niño is orderly and prompt,” Rosete said.
The issues shared and recommendations raised during the meeting should serve as a guide for planning and coordination, ensuring that our measures address the needs of our barangays and our citizens," he pointed out.
Public information and barangay-level preparedness were also highlighted as essential components of the city's response.
The Public Information Office, Malabon TV, and villages were expected to help disseminate timely advisories on water conservation, heat safety, fire prevention, and emergency reporting through official social media channels and other communication platforms.
Residents were then encouraged to conserve water, observe fire-safety precautions, take care during extreme heat episodes, and follow official advisories from the city government and concerned agencies.
