Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiveri ordered Sunday the immediate implementation of "simple and basic" measures to help avert the threat of water and energy crisis in the country.

Echiverri said "conservation" is the key word for this crisis and the implementation of saving measures no matter small and simple they are will be a good start.

“I believe in leadership by example and it is through this notion that the local government of Caloocan must lead other cities in heeding the plea for energy and water conservation,” said Echiverri.

Among the conservation measures the city mayor has ordered was the shutting down of air every 3:30 p.m. the conditioning units in all city government offices.

He also ordered city hall employees to use computers only when doing their official duties reminding them that using local departments’ computers to play games or open social networking websites are strictly prohibited.

"These small steps can go a long way in averting a possible energy crisis in the country and Caloocan City employees can set the example," he said.

On the water problem, Echiverri said the threat El Niño makes it imperative for all sectors to save water and to use water resources wisely.

He reminded city hall workers not to leave the faucet open after using the washroom.

Echiverri also urged local business establishments, particularly restaurants and fast food chains, to provide customers with drinking water only by request.

“Crises like these may bring about inconveniences but it is also an opportunity for the residents to show that we have both discipline and perseverance,” he said.