Water Conservation Urged in Cordillera as Dry Spell Extends Until April

 BAGUIO CITY – The public is being advised to conserve water as the dry spell affecting multiple provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is anticipated to persist until April.

Larry Esperanza, the chief meteorologist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Baguio synoptic station, reported to the region’s El Niño Task Force that Abra, Ifugao, and Mountain Province are already experiencing a dry spell, while Benguet, Kalinga, and Apayao are expected to face drought later this month.

A dry spell is characterized by below-normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months, while drought is defined by a rainfall condition below normal for five consecutive months or a reduction in rainfall of about 41 to 80 percent compared to the normal data for a particular month.

“We will see better conditions by May because the southwest monsoon will start, and tropical cyclones bringing rains will already be experienced,” Esperanza stated in a Friday interview.

Esperanza noted that while parts of the region are facing drought conditions, the high elevation of the region contributes to the effects of the northeast monsoon, resulting in colder temperatures in several towns and provinces.

“Swerte tayo sa CAR because (of) high altitude and may effect ang northeast monsoon. Medyo hindi tayo masyadong affected compared to the lowland (We are luckier in CAR because of high altitude and the northeast monsoon. We are less affected compared to the lowland (or the low-lying areas),” he said.

Baguio City recorded the lowest temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius around 5 a.m. on Jan. 11.

Due to the dry spell, the El Niño Task Force has advised the public, as well as farmers, to conserve and reuse water.

“I think they have advised farmers to follow the crop cycle and grow plants that do not require so much water. As long as they follow the crop cycle, they will not have so much problem of not having sufficient water for their plants,” Esperanza said in Filipino.

He added that the task force has suggested several measures to address the situation, including the installation of rainwater harvesters.

With power also expected to be affected, the task force has recommended the use of solar-powered gadgets to minimize energy consumption, with hydropower plants as sources. (PNA)