By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Residents in several areas of Metro Manila, Rizal and Bulacan are facing scheduled water service interruptions through Saturday, Oct. 3, as Manila Water and Maynilad carry out maintenance and system improvement works.
Manila Water said interruptions will affect portions of Marikina, Pasig, Taguig and Quezon City, along with Antipolo, Rodriguez and Taytay in Rizal.
The concessionaire advised affected households to store sufficient water before the scheduled interruptions to cover their basic needs while service improvement activities are underway.
Maynilad, meanwhile, announced service disruptions in portions of Makati, Manila, Pasay, Malabon, Navotas and Quezon City, as well as Obando in Bulacan.
Affected Maynilad customers were likewise urged to prepare adequate water supplies. The concessionaire said water tankers are on standby and can deliver potable water to affected communities when necessary.
The scheduled interruptions come as authorities prepare for increasingly dry conditions associated with a projected very strong El Niño.
The Philippine National Police urged the public not to hoard food, water and other essential supplies, saying police units are intensifying price monitoring and peace-and-order measures ahead of the anticipated dry spell.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called on the public and businesses to avoid illegal stockpiling and price manipulation, stressing that basic necessities must remain accessible to communities.
“We appeal to everyone to act responsibly and refrain from hoarding essential goods,” Nartatez said.
He said people should not exploit the situation for personal gain, particularly by restricting access to food, water and other basic commodities.
Climate projections from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration indicate that intensified dry conditions could continue through the first half of 2027.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies and other stakeholders to prepare for the possible impact of the prolonged dry spell.
Palace press officer Claire Castro earlier said the President wants an El Niño task force prepared to coordinate measures addressing the expected effects of the phenomenon.
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