BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Water District is now fast-tracking its augmentation programs to ensure continuous water supply ahead of the expected impact of the drought and dry spell that is expected to heighten by April 2024.

BWD general manager Salvador Royeca said that the district is currently streamlining its ongoing development projects, as he expressed confidence that they can complete the ongoing water supply development and expansion projects "in preparation for the full effects of the El Niño phenomenon."

He added that it is in response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for agencies to carry out measures to cushion the effects of the long dry spell.

Royeca said they already called upon the concerned Technical Divisions of the water utility to revisit and submit their contingency plans for the El Niño and issued a marching order to expedite all various well-drilling and pipelaying projects to counter the effects of El Niño.

"Additionally, comprehensive monitoring of BWD's groundwater and open water sources has already been performed to ensure equitable water distribution starting this Yuletide season up to next year's dry season when visitors and tourists flock to this side of the country," Royeca said.

He added that completing these projects will help mitigate the effects of El Niño, as he explained that implementing contingency procedures for BWD's summer operations is done annually and typically normal. He said they just fine-tune everything so that it will be adaptive to the external pressures such as El Niño.