Sibalom: The Sibalom Water District (SWD) in the municipality of Sibalom has announced that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will be permitted to draw water from its fire hydrants to aid in water rationing during the ongoing El Ni±o phenomenon.
According to Philippines News Agency, SWD General Manager Engr. Jonathan De Gracia confirmed in an interview that the BFP has been allowed to access water from hydrants during emergencies, including the current El Ni±o conditions. The SWD operates six pumping stations that collectively generate 201,500 cubic meters of water monthly, meeting the needs of 4,300 household consumers with a demand of 200,000 cubic meters.
De Gracia also suggested the creation of water impounding systems to capture rainwater while it is still available. These systems, which do not require permanent structures, can consist of stone piles that help in water retention. The water collected in these systems filters into the water table, preventing wells from drying up.
Furthermore, Sibalom has an existing concrete water impounding system in Barangay Solong along the Sibalom River, which provided essential water supply to residents during the El Ni±o phenomenon in 2024.
