BUTUAN CITY — As communities continue to feel the impact of the prolonged dry spell brought by the El Niño phenomenon, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Butuan City Government are stepping up efforts to ensure that affected residents have access to much-needed water supply.
OCD Administrator and NDRRMC Executive Director Usec. Harold N. Cabrerosmet with Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun to assess the growing water crisis and discuss additional measures to strengthen the city’s response.
Mayor Fortun presented the extent of the shortage, including the affected communities and the challenges faced by residents due to limited water availability. The city government reported continuing water rationing operations, with 143,700 liters of water delivered to 11 barangays through 18 water delivery activities on September 10, 2026.
With the situation affecting more communities, Butuan City has been placed under a State of Calamity, allowing the local government to mobilize its calamity fund and expand interventions to address the immediate needs of residents.
Beyond government-led efforts, the city is also tapping private sector support. Mayor Fortun met with subdivision developers and urged them to activate available water facilities, including reservoirs, deep wells, and pumping systems, to help augment supply within their communities.
“Addressing the water shortage requires the cooperation of all sectors,” Fortun emphasized, encouraging businesses, organizations, and residents to contribute available resources and solutions to help communities affected by the crisis.
Usec. Cabreros assured the city government of the OCD’s continued support and coordination with concerned agencies to identify additional interventions and provide necessary assistance.
Also present during the meeting were OCD Caraga Officer-in-Charge Lorene Sia-Catedral and Rehabilitation and Recovery Management Section Head Kim Durango.
As the water crisis continues, government agencies and local stakeholders are strengthening partnerships to deliver immediate relief while pursuing sustainable solutions to protect communities from the increasing impacts of climate-related hazards.
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