BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City government has activated its October 2026 El Niño Continuity Action Plan as the highland city enters the orange phase, warning of potentially tighter water supplies and urging residents and businesses to conserve water ahead of a possible shift to the red phase.
The plan calls for daily water advisories, regular updates on supply conditions and possible service interruptions, and stricter conservation efforts among major water users, including hotels, commercial establishments, golf courses and car wash shops.
The Baguio Water District, in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Management Information Technology Division, will roll out a weekly water stress dashboard to track water availability and pumping levels.
Authorities will also intensify leak detection and pipeline repairs, monitor springs and groundwater sources, and explore alternative supplies and storage facilities.
Hospitals, health centers, evacuation centers and fire stations will receive priority in water augmentation efforts, while health and social welfare offices will step up surveillance for heat-related and waterborne illnesses, particularly among vulnerable residents. Micro, small and medium enterprises will also be assisted in preparing water-saving measures and business continuity plans.
The city government said conservation measures would be implemented and intensified throughout October, with contingency preparations ready should conditions worsen.
Households, businesses and government offices were urged to avoid unnecessary water use, as officials warned that collective action would be crucial to protecting supplies for essential services and daily needs. — Artemio A. Dumlao