LACK OF WATER DUE TO LACK OF FORESIGHT—LACSON*

“ We have 479 cubit kilometers of renewable water resources which shows that we don’t lack water..we simply lack foresight and planning.”

Liberal Party senatorial candidate Atty. Alex “Pinoy” Lacson says that  the impending water rationing in certain parts of Metro Manila and environs is the result of years of government neglect and the lack of  proper planning and foresight. Lacson supported calls of Greenpeace to "climate-proof" water resources and proposed that the next Congress should study laws and policies that will prioritize better water resources management and protection.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has announced that it expects water levels specially in Angat dam to reach 166 meters---the lowest ever water level recorded in history. Previous levels are within the 170-186 meters range. Authorities attribute this to the El Nino phenomenon.

Lacson noted that as early as January last year, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA had already issued a warning on the possible grave effects of El Nino on the country’s water reservoir. PAGASA had announced that water levels will be sorely affected by El Nino  which was expected to hit the country as early as February of this year. The natural phenomenon hit the country last January and is expected to last until June.

"Öur government should have prepared a contingency plan upon receipt of PAGASA’s report. Despite adequate warning, we have no idea how to address the water shortage and prevent further degradation of our resources.  Water, unlike power, is a commodity we cannot do without.

“ Government should realize that we are a growing society. Our water requirements are increasing with migration and population growth. There should be plans on how to tap other sources of water, and protect the existing sources we have.  We need better policies than just rationing due to climate pressures -- we need efficient forecasting and policies to help us adapt to climate changes.”

Lacson observed that despite the privatization of our water utilities, the focus was just on improving distribution, not on finding or developing other sources of water. At present, Metro Manila gets its clean water from the Angat and La Mesa dam.

“Every year, we consume 28.52 cubit kilometers of freshwater and use it for our domestic, industrial and agricultural needs. Yet, with our growing population and fast-rising modernization, it is time to review our actual and future requirements. If I become Senator, I would really like to focus on this problem since this is directly related to our survival.  We need to look into maximizing and protecting our water resources," Lacson said.