By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is seeking a ₱284.35-million budget for 2027 to strengthen water conservation efforts, assess potential water sources and monitor areas outside Metro Manila that may face shortages amid the threat of a severe El Niño.
The proposed funding is intended to bolster the agency’s preparedness for prolonged dry conditions expected in the coming months and extending into early next year.
As an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the NWRB plans to focus on water resource regulation, monitoring and the development of action plans for regions vulnerable to the effects of the climate phenomenon.
The agency also intends to intensify public information campaigns and improve water demand management strategies to encourage more efficient water use and conservation.
Part of its planned assessment will cover the Mindanao River Basin, portions of Negros Island and selected cities and municipalities where groundwater availability needs closer examination.
The initiative aims to identify potential water sources and determine the availability of groundwater in areas that could experience prolonged dry spells.
The proposed budget would support the NWRB’s efforts to strengthen water resource management and help prepare vulnerable communities for possible supply constraints as the country braces for the potential effects of El Niño.
IA/XF
