Since March of this year, President Marcos has been warning of an impending water crisis. Recent events have proven him correct. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has declared the onset of El Niño, a climate pattern that increases the chances of below-normal rainfall in our region. Shortly after this declaration, reports emerged that the water level in Angat Dam, which serves as Metro Manila’s primary source of raw water, had fallen below its minimum operating level. This raises the possibility of decreased water supply for the metropolis. In response, Maynilad Water Services Inc. announced that they will implement rotating water service interruptions in various areas of Metro Manila. Unfortunately, the situation may worsen in the coming months as Pagasa anticipates that El Niño will persist until next year.
One of the major problems caused by water scarcity is the lack of drinking water. Earlier this year, an officer from the National Water Resources Board stated that approximately 11 million Filipino families still do not have access to clean water, with many resorting to unsafe sources. The current crisis is likely to exacerbate this issue. Additionally, food production is at risk due to the potential decrease in water availability, especially in a country like ours that heavily relies on agriculture. If crops dry up, food prices could skyrocket, which is particularly concerning given the ongoing global inflation.
The government must take swift action to address the water crisis or at least mitigate its effects. The establishment of the Water Resources Management Office under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, along with the plan to create a Department of Water Resources through legislation, is a positive step forward. These initiatives could help coordinate efforts in tackling the current crisis. Furthermore, the government has directed government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to enforce water conservation measures, which is commendable. However, the government should also implement long-term solutions.
Firstly, it is crucial to find alternative sources of clean water. The government should prioritize the safe and efficient construction of dams that can provide additional water supply to the population. This is a challenging task as it requires balancing environmental preservation and the protection of indigenous people’s rights. Nevertheless, finding a way to navigate these issues is imperative at this stage.
Technological solutions can also play a role in addressing the water crisis. The installation of hydropanels, which are solar-powered panels that capture water vapor through condensation, could be explored. A few years ago, a nonprofit and a United States-based company successfully installed hydropanels in Palawan, providing a renewable supply of drinking water to an indigenous community. While implementing large-scale technology-focused projects can be expensive, they offer long-lasting solutions to the water crisis.
Perhaps the government can encourage major conglomerates, especially those in industries that heavily rely on water consumption such as real estate developers, to invest in similar technologies. Ultimately, the current crisis can only be resolved if both the public and private sectors collaborate and make concerted efforts towards water conservation.
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