Negros Occidental braces for El Niño as Butuan reels from water woes

BACOLOD CITY — A P411-million disaster fund would be set aside for 2027 as officials in Negros Occidental prepare for a “super, super El Niño” expected to intensify from October through the first quarter of next year, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Thursday.

“Hopefully, it will not go beyond the first quarter,” Lacson said during the third-quarter meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at the Negros Occidental Capitol.

The entire province is expected to be affected by the El Niño, he said, adding that the provincial government received an unverified report that Hinigaran was already experiencing dry conditions.

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READ: Palace: Govt steps up preparations for ‘very strong’ El Niño

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“But for this month, we are still expecting some rain,” Lacson said.

QRF

The province still has P109 million in its 2026 Quick Response Fund (QRF), out of the P110.5-million allocation.

Lacson said he called the meeting to discuss preparations for the expected dry spell and how the remaining QRF could be used before the end of the year.

“We discussed the utilization of the P109 million before 2026 ends,” he said.

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For 2027, the province has set aside P411 million for its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

Of this amount, P287.7 million, or 70 percent, will be used for disaster risk reduction and management programs, projects and activities, while P123.3 million, or 30 percent, will serve as QRF.

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In Butuan City, residents have been staying awake late at night to collect water whenever supplies become available, while others ration what they have for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing.

According to some residents, they have paid as much as P800 for a cubic meter of water during periods of shortage.

The Butuan City Health Board is preparing measures against possible waterborne illnesses after Mayor Lawrence Fortun directed it to strengthen safeguards, according to the city government.

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Health officials reminded residents that rationed water from the Butuan City Water District should be used only for nonpotable purposes such as washing, laundry and cleaning. They advised residents to use safe and approved sources for drinking water. /das