MMDA begins talks with LGUs for El Niño preparations
Members of the Parks Development Office pull out dried leaves and other debris from the center Island along Burgos Avenue in Manila on May 2, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday that it was meeting with local government units (LGUs) to prepare for the possible impacts of El Niño.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the agency convened a meeting with disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) officers from various local government units (LGUs) and concerned agencies to discuss potential risks and measures.
“Gumawa kami ng framework at nag-constuitute kami ng technical working group para pag-usapan ‘yung various issues na may kinalaman sa El Niño,” Artes said.
“Isa sa pinag-usapan ‘yung health index in relation to health and suspension ng classes kasi may iba’t ibang protocols ang bawat LGU. Ang plan namin ay gumawa ng isang single protocol,” he added.
The MMDA is also planning to collect and conserve rainwater during the rainy season in preparation for potential water shortages.
The agency is looking into installing small rainwater catchment systems beneath skyways and along Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).
“Normally, may downspouts sila eh na instead na ‘yung tubig mapupunta sa drainage system, maka-ka-cause pa ng flash flood. ‘Yan po ay sasahurin na rin para magamit sa secondary ‘yung tubig ulan,” he said.