MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday called on local government units (LGUs), especially in Metro Manila, to strictly enforce water conservation measures as El Niño threatens supply.
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos ordered local chief executives to conduct regular monitoring of water meters and report leaks to water service providers following a decrease in water level at Angat Dam, a crucial water source for the capital region.
Abalos directed LGUs to ensure government offices have separate w ater meters for easier monitoring of water consumption and possible leaks, and to maximize rainwater harvesting in public facilities or promote water catchment systems in residential areas.
LGUs are also expected to conduct extensive information, education, and communications campaigns on water conservation measures to raise awareness and encourage active participation among residents in conserving water.
Local governments are advised to use their local disaster risk reduction and management fund for the necessary expenditure to implement such activities.
The DILG chief also called on building administrators to regularly check for leaks and faulty fixtures, especially in toilets.
Abalos urged the public to reuse rinse and laundry water for cleaning floors, flushing toilets, and watering plants. H e also recommended using washcloths and a “tabo” instead of a water hose to clean vehicles.
“Everyone must take action and work together to avoid water interruptions. Let us be prudent and economical in using water,” Abalos said in Filipino. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
MANILA, Philippines – Sasalang ang higit sa 500 swimmers sa Congress of the Philippine Aquatics (COPA) National Capital Region “One For All-All-For One” Championships ngayong linggo sa Teofilo Ildefonso Swimming Center sa Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RSMC) sa Malate, Maynila.
“This is part of a series of COPA competitions aimed at fostering camaraderie and boosting the swimmer’s development at the grassroots level. But of course, expect tough competition as some of our Palarong Pambansa qualifiers are confirmed to join the event,” ani Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain at COPA co-founder at Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) Secretary-General
Sinabi ni COPA co-founder Chito Rivera na libre ang mga koponan at estudyante mula sa mga pampublikong paaralan sa tatlong araw na tournament na magsisilbi ring fund-raising event dahil bahagi ng mga kikitain ay mapupunta sa pamilya ng yumaong swimming coach na si Elcid Evangelista.
Ang age-group competitions ay para sa mga lalaki at babae 6-under, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 at 18-year-old pataas.
“Also, this will serve as part of our young swimmers’ prep aration for the coming National tryouts on August 15-18 to select members of the team for the Southeast Asian Age Group SEA Age Group Championship slated in Bangkok in December,” dagdag ni Buhain, ang swimming icon at Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer.
Ang three-day meet ay may basbas ng Philippine Aquatics Inc.
Kabilang sa mga lalangoy ay sina Palarong Pambansa-bound Nicola Diamante ng RSS Dolphins sa Parañaque, Asian Age-Group Championships campaigner Patricia Mae Santor ng University of Santo Tomas.
Lalahok din sina Rio Balbuena, Jada Cruz, Amber Arano, Kristoffe David at Audrina Victor ng Ilustre East Swimming Club na nasa pangangasiwa ni national coach Ramil Ilustre.
Samantala, ipinaalala ni Rivera na ang mga pisikal na sasabak sa PAI tryouts para sa 25-meter competition sa Agosto 19-21 ay magiging karapat-dapat na kumatawan sa bansa sa apat na international tournaments:
Ang mga ito ay ang World Cup sa Shanghai, China (Oktubre 18-20), Korea World Cup sa Incheon (Oktubre 24-26), Singapore World Cup (Oktubre 31- Nobyembre 2) at ang World Championships sa Budapest, Hungary (Disyembre 10-15).