Commentary
Aklan Must Prepare Now For The Coming Water Crisis
By Guillermo Sumbiling
Aklan cannot afford to wait for a water crisis before acting.
PAGASA reports that El Niรฑo is intensifying and is expected to persist through the first half of 2027, with the possibility of reaching a very strong state. El Niรฑo increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in many parts of the country.
For Aklan, this should be treated as an early warningโnot simply another weather advisory.
We are already seeing worrying signs: tributaries feeding the Aklan River running low, reduced river levels, and reports of inadequate irrigation water. If prolonged dry conditions continue, the consequences will extend far beyond rice fields.
Water scarcity can affect agriculture, livestock, fisheries, households, businesses, food production and tourism. Boracay is particularly vulnerable because much of the islandโs water requirement ultimately depends on sources from mainland Aklan. A serious shortage therefore becomes an economic problem for the entire province.
PAGASA itself is advising farmers to conserve water, maintain irrigation systems and harvest rainwater in preparation for El Niรฑo.
This is where local leadership becomes critical.
Aklan should not simply wait for national assistance or emergency funds after the damage has been done. Provincial and municipal governments, water districts, irrigation authorities, barangays, businesses and communities should develop a coordinated Aklan Water Resiliency Program now.
The priorities are clear: protect watersheds, repair leaking distribution systems, rehabilitate irrigation facilities, construct rainwater catchments and small impounding reservoirs, expand water storage, regulate unnecessary consumption, identify emergency groundwater sources, and require major commercial establishments to establish water-conservation plans.
We spend much time debating politics, personalities and the distribution of government assistance. But water does not recognize political boundaries.
The question is no longer whether El Niรฑo deserves our attention.
The question Aklan must ask today is: Are we preparing while we still have timeโor will we act only when the wells, farms and rivers begin to run dry?
