The Ilocos Norte provincial government has allocated PHP25 million to build at least 23 rainwater catchment facilities as part of preparations for prolonged dry conditions and possible El Niño impacts.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) officer Marcell Tabije confirmed the allocation Wednesday following a meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“The investment comes as communities face increasing pressure on water resources during periods of reduced rainfall, particularly with the province preparing for the impacts of El Niño,” Tabije said in an interview.

The Provincial Engineering Office has prepared a design for elevated steel water tanks in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), with the facilities to be installed near BFP stations, he said.

Priority areas include Batac City and the municipalities of Paoay, Solsona and San Nicolas.

Tabije said BFP stations in several areas are already ready for installation, including Badoc, Bacarra, Banna, Burgos, Carasi, Currimao, Laoag City, Marcos, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Solsona and Vintar.

The provincial government has also been encouraging households, schools and communities to establish rainwater catchment systems to collect and store water for later use instead of allowing rainwater to immediately drain into rivers or the sea.

Stored rainwater may provide an additional source for appropriate household, agricultural, institutional and other nonpotable uses, subject to the system’s design and applicable health and safety standards.

For agricultural communities, additional water reserves could help ease pressure on existing sources during dry periods.

Tabije said building the facilities ahead of prolonged dry conditions would help communities increase their water reserves and strengthen their capacity to cope with water shortages. (PNA)