Our rooftop has been craving for rain.  Leaves from trees that happened to fall on it- which have turned yellowish for some time now seem to alight on the angry and seemingly hot GI sheets.  The nails, probably unable to survive the heat, are sprouting their heads.  The heat, too, hasn't spared me, as it, without restriction, passes through the ceiling of my non-airconditioned room, tormenting a noontime nap and pestering my daydreams.  

One early morning, a couple of weeks ago, I was awakened by the all-too-familiar sound of the falling rain.  Happy that it might set off the start of a heavy downpour, I went out the house at once and noticed how the soil bounced back slowly with each raindrop.  I looked at how the leaves of plants, supposedly celebrating the bath, fell down too frail for a shower now, too delicate for a touch. 

Later on, the usual indescribable aroma of a parched and thirsty land tainted the air.  One by one, I observed small creatures slowly appearing from nowhere, welcoming and rejoicing in the puddles.  The lizards didn't mind the frogs and vice versa.  Together with the others - like one big happy family - they all gladly received with open arms their long lost friend: the rain.  

The rain has been my profound comrade all these years.  It has saved me from my afternoon task of watering the plants at home during my childhood days.  Aside from sparing me from an errand, its occurrence gave me delight as I was fond then of making paper boats and sails.  It was an enormous feeling to be with some friends in the middle of a very wide field, stretching my arms, playing come-and-get-me, dancing the craziest dance steps, singing "Rain, Rain Do Not Go Away" and anything wild that would make me feel I was on top of the world. 

                There was no such thing as El Niño then. This phenomenon, as defined, is a condition brought about by the invasion of warm surface waters from the western Equatorial Pacific Basin to the eastern equatorial region and can prevail for more than a year.  There would be irregularities in rainfall and temperatures.  Strong winds and drought can be experienced in some areas.  This abnormality could have crippling effects on the countrys economy in general.                                    

                The dailies say it all. A T.V. news report indicated that there has been food shortage in some parts of Zamboanga and General Santos.  More importantly, the impact of water shortage has affected more people.  In fact, some provinces in the country have already been rationing this precious drinking water which is supposed to be unlimited in supply.

                I appreciate those people who in one way or another have done something about conserving and using water wisely.  There are others who got themselves involved in the governments action plan for the El Niño, which will persist until the middle of 1998.  The Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) has been constantly publishing water tips which I always make it a point to secure a copy.  I learned so many things from these government agencies currently involved in the water crisis from the Dos and Donts in the kitchen to the you-dont-have-to-do-this in the bathroom.  That I have to water the garden during the cool part of the day, early morning or late afternoon.  That to prevent forest fires, those living near forested area should help in removing highly combustible materials from there. 

It is also good to know a lot of basic facts: toilets use over 40% more water than what I need, 1000 kilograms of water is required to grow 1 kilogram of potatoes, a 10 minute shower will consume about 450 liters of water, each day I must replace 2.4 liters of water - some through drinking and the rest taken by the body from the food I eat, 1 liter of oil can contaminate up to two million liters of water, 83% of the human blood is water.

How I wish that this crisis will come to an end soon.  I know I have to do my share also knowing about the reality, its facts and its adverse effects.  I know I can make a difference by trusting the ability of others to work hand in hand with other individuals.  I know I can also help save water in my own little way.

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