The government is taking measures to ensure a stable water supply ahead of the dry season, with officials closely monitoring the situation, Malacañang said Thursday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said water supply remains stable but assured the public that the government will promptly address potential shortages during the dry season.

“Sa ngayon po (As of now), iyong pong water supply natin, the water supply remains significant despite change in the weather condition,” Castro said.

She clarified that no official declaration has been made regarding the onset of El Niño, which heavily affected the country last year.

“As of now po, wala pa pong pagdeklara kung tayo po ay nasa El Niño na. So, as of now wala po tayong dapat alalahanin at kung mayroon man po at tayo naman po ay sanay na sanay na sa sobrang init po at tayo naman din po ay nakakaraos (As of now, there has no declaration yet that El Niño is already in effect, so we need not worry about it, but if ever we are already used to hot weather),” she added.

Castro emphasized that the government is prepared to address the possible impacts of the dry season.

“Of course, hindi po ito tutulugan ng gobyerno. Kung mayroon po talagang pagkukulang sa water supply, agad-agad din po na kikilos po ang pamahalaan (The government will not sleep over it. If ever there is water supply shortage, the government will immediately act on it,” she said.

Addressing concerns about potential water rationing, Castro reassured the public that efforts would be made to avoid such situations.

According to weather bureau PAGASA, the peak of the dry season will be experienced from end-March until April. (PNA)