08/06/2026
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Mayor Benjamin Magalong, May 25, has warned residents to conserve water as parts of the Summer Capital are already experiencing supply shortages ahead of the expected full impact of the El NiΓ±o phenomenon.
He said the city government has intensified preparations after weather projections showed a 90% probability that El NiΓ±o conditions will begin as early as July and continue through September and added that there is also an 83% chance the dry spell could extend until December or even the first quarter of next year.
βTo our citizens, we really need to start conserving water,β Magalong said, noting that the city government had already conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment and is set to hold an El NiΓ±o Summit to address the looming crisis.
The mayor revealed that the city has coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to crack down on illegal and unregulated deep wells operating across Baguio.
He said many of these wells are non-compliant with sanitation regulations and may be worsening the cityβs water supply problems. Magalong said the DENR committed to mobilizing the National Water Resources Board to help shut down unauthorized deep wells.
Despite the challenges, the mayor assured residents that the local government continues to pursue several long-term water security projects.
One of these is the rainwater catchment basin project at the Buyog Watershed and another planned another rainwater catchment basin in the Camp 8 watershed area through a proposed usufruct agreement with the DENR.
Magalong added that the city recently presented a water feasibility study during meetings of the City Development Council (CDC) to be funded by the United Kingdom for long-term solutions aimed at achieving sustainable water security in Baguio.
The study also includes anti-corruption safeguards for infrastructure projects and supports the cityβs goal of complying with ISO 37001 standards on anti-bribery management systems.
He said the CDC has already approved the feasibility study, which will soon be submitted to the City Council for further approval. A comprehensive briefing will also be conducted for council members as part of the cityβs Integrated Water Resource Management and Water Security Plan 2030 initiatives.
The mayor acknowledged that implementing the proposed water security initiatives would be costly, with total projected expenses reaching around β±23 billion. Because of this, the city plans to implement the projects in phases to make them more attractive to potential investors and water companies.-Gaby B. Keith
