The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday, March 4, urged the local government units of Metro Manila to devise water crisis mitigation measures to address the effects of El Niño.

In a press release, MMDA said Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution listing rainwater harvesting, establishment of catchment areas, reduction of water use in golf courses, recycling of wastewater, fixing pipe leakage, and development of water filtration systems as plausible measures to lessen the phenomenon’s impact.

"We will distribute these designs to the 17 Metro Manila LGUs in support of the water mitigation measures that they will come up with in their respective cities and municipality, depending on the needs in their areas," MMDA chair Romando Artes said.

Artes added that two MMDA-designated catchment systems were installed in Tripa de Gallina. Under this system, the rainwater harvesting tank set up near the public toilet would be reused for toilet flushing.

Meanwhile, several mayors have stated their plans with San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora to conduct an inter-barangay water catchment system contest where citizens will learn the process of reusing and recycling rainwater.

Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval noted adopting the resolution and creating water catchment areas in their barangays.

Artes underscored that the resolution will not mean water rationing and water interruptions around the metro since the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has ensured a sufficient water supply.

"We need to continuously and consistently save water so that in the coming months, during summer, we will still have a steady supply of it," he said.