Bicol braces for El Niño; DOH warns on water filters

By Jordan Kurt Domingo

BICOL residents are being urged to prepare for the possible effects of the impending super El Niño, with the Department of Health (DOH) warning that household water filters alone may not guarantee safe drinking water as drought conditions threaten water supplies.

The DOH advised the public to properly treat contaminated raw water before filtration and to use appropriate disinfection methods to eliminate harmful microorganisms that some filters may fail to remove.

The precaution is particularly important for communities that may experience water shortages and turn to alternative water sources during prolonged dry spells.

Health Assistant Secretary Tagumpay Maniquis explained that raw water containing debris, organic matter and suspended solids should undergo pretreatment to prevent filters from clogging and maintain their effectiveness.

He said filtration devices have different capabilities depending on their specifications. Filters with a 0.1-micron capacity, for instance, cannot remove contaminants smaller than their filtration threshold.

To eliminate viruses and bacteria that may pass through such filters, Maniquis recommended boiling water or using an appropriate disinfectant, such as chlorine tablets.

He urged residents to coordinate with their respective local health offices for guidance on the proper use of chlorine tablets.

The DOH also reminded consumers to verify whether water filtration and treatment devices are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have the required certificate of health-related device registration.

Registration may be checked through the FDA’s official verification portal.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening school gardening initiatives to help sustain feeding programs amid the threat of prolonged drought, extreme heat and possible water shortages.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara directed schools to prioritize drought-tolerant, fast-growing and nutrient-rich crops to help ensure a continuing supply of vegetables for learners.

Among the recommended crops are mung beans, okra, malunggay, saluyot, alugbati and sweet potatoes.

These crops may also be considered by schools and communities in Bicol, subject to local growing conditions, water availability and planting schedules.

Angara said protecting school gardens is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen food security, address hunger and safeguard children’s nutritional needs.

Schools were also encouraged to adopt water-saving measures, including organic mulching, rainwater harvesting, alternate-day watering and drip irrigation.

For schools with limited space, DepEd plans to issue standardized guidelines for alternative gardening methods, including container gardening, hydroponics and vertical farming.

The education chief stressed that school gardens should serve not only as sources of nutritious food but also as learning spaces where students can develop environmental awareness, resourcefulness and cooperation.

The initiative seeks to help schools sustain their feeding programs even when adverse weather conditions disrupt conventional planting cycles.

Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Pangilinan has urged the government to strictly enforce price freezes when legally applicable and take decisive action against large-scale hoarders who may exploit the impending El Niño crisis.

Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture, food and agrarian reform, warned that prolonged dry conditions could disrupt agricultural production, reduce food supplies and put additional pressure on consumer prices.

He called for enforcement measures targeting the masterminds behind agricultural cartels rather than focusing solely on small retailers.

For Bicol, where farming and other agricultural activities support many rural households, prolonged drought could threaten crop yields and farmers’ incomes while placing additional pressure on household food budgets.

The developments underscore the need for coordinated preparations among local governments, health offices, schools, agricultural agencies and other concerned institutions to help communities manage potential water shortages, protect food supplies and maintain access to safe drinking water.

Residents are encouraged to follow official advisories and adopt practical water-conservation measures while authorities continue preparations for the possible effects of El Niño.