President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that the Philippines is facing a water crisis and reiterated the need for the government to ramp up efforts to head it off.
Last March, PBBM spoke at the 6th Edition of the Water Philippines Conference and Exposition in Pasay City, the President also announced the creation of the Office of Water Management to deal with the water supply problem.
Malacañang has yet to issue a copy of the circular, which will be in effect until pending bills in Congress seeking to create a Department of Water Management are signed into law.
Marcos said he finds it ironic that the Philippines, being an archipelago, is being confronted with a water supply problem. “We all know the Philippines is not a dry place, and why do we not have enough water?” he said.
The country must look at other countries like Israel that have efficient systems for water filtration, storage, and distribution, the President mentioned.
Despite mostly being desert, Israel is able to harvest water during the rainy season in collection ponds where fish is also grown. “When the summer comes, they take the water, harvest the fish, and then that goes to irrigation efforts,” he added.
The President is pushing for the government to employ modern technology and strategies in managing water resources.
“I happened to have been given the opportunity to walk around a little bit and see some of the exhibitors. And it is very gratifying to note that in fact the technologies that are being used, that are being employed in terms of water treatment, in terms of water management are well-known technologies,” he said.
Parts of southern Metro Manila and Cavite serviced by the Maynilad are already experiencing water cut-offs because one of its water treatment plants is being repaired.
It was also noted that the water concessionaire announced that the interruptions will continue even after the Holy Week.
Maynilad Spokesman Jennifer Rufo said the water supply is expected to normalize by mid-April when the Putatan Treatment Plant gets back in operation. Residents in the affected areas complained that they had been experiencing water interruptions since December.
Maynilad said the problem is partly due to the northeast monsoon or amihan.
With additional report: The Manila Times, Kristina Maralit and Bernadette E. Tamayo
