Malabon steps up El Niño contingency plans

The local government of Malabon City has intensified inter-agency coordination among city departments, local officials, emergency services, and utility providers to mitigate the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, officials announced.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval convened Task Force El Niño last Tuesday to address critical vulnerabilities including water scarcity, extreme heat risks, increased fire hazards, and potential disruptions to food supplies and local livelihoods.

“Preparing for El Niño requires proper coordination among our offices, partner agencies and barangays,” Sandoval said.

“Active cooperation in conserving water, taking precautions against extreme heat, and preventing fires is essential to protecting the health, safety, and livelihood of every Malabueño,” she added.

“I encourage our citizens to use water responsibly and follow government advisories. Through collective action and early preparation, our city will be better prepared to face the challenges posed by El Niño.”

Led by the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the meeting brought together representatives from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Manila Electric Co., Maynilad Water Services Inc. and local barangay officials.

Water security emerged as a primary focus during the meeting. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Engineering Office, MDRRMO, local barangay leaders, and Maynilad were tasked with evaluating water supply levels, identifying communities vulnerable to service disruptions, repairing infrastructure leaks, and mapping emergency water distribution routes.

To address heat-related health hazards, the City Health Office, Ospital ng Malabon, and community health workers were instructed to monitor heat advisories from weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, prepare emergency medical responses for heat exhaustion and heatstroke cases, and monitor vulnerable residents.

The city also directed local fire personnel to inspect high-risk areas, clear emergency access routes, and step up fire prevention campaigns.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Department and market authorities were assigned to monitor price fluctuations and food commodity availability to protect vulnerable households against potential supply shocks.

Public information channels, including the Malabon Public Information Office and local media platforms, will regularly broadcast updates on water conservation, heat safety, and emergency contacts.

Barangays were also instructed to update registries of vulnerable residents and identify neighborhood emergency water stations.