Water scarcity a perpetual threat with climate change — President

President Marcos ordered the public and private sectors to hasten the completion of all water projects nationwide amid the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, saying water scarcity has now become a “perpetual threat that comes with climate change.”

“It is for this reason that I continually stress the urgency of improving water security, and directed agencies concerned to expedite the completion of all water projects across the country,” the President said during the inauguration of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project on Wednesday.

The state weather bureau on Tuesday reported that water levels in all nine dams in Luzon have dropped to below normal starting Jan. 27 amid the El Niño phenomenon.

PAGASA said the water level at Angat Dam, which supplies water to over 98 percent of Metro Manila, dropped further to 210.08 meters from the regular 212-meter level.

Emphasizing the critical role of water security, President Marcos warned of the adverse impacts of water supply disruptions.

“Any disruption to the water supply, such as the one posed by the El Niño phenomenon, which we are feeling the effects of now, degrades our quality of life, it dampens economic activities, and can fuel disorder,” the President said.

President Marcos earlier instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways, in collaboration with various government agencies, to prioritize and expedite water supply projects in areas vulnerable to the El Niño phenomenon.

He also tasked the DPWH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to explore public-private partnerships for rehabilitating and enhancing the country’s water supply systems, along with constructing large-scale water impounding projects to expand coverage areas.

During yesterday’s inauguration, Mr. Marcos commended the efforts of Apo Agua of Aboitiz InfraCapital, DCWD, and the local government of Davao in bringing the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project to fruition.

The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project is one of the largest private bulk water supply facilities in the country, drawing from the Tamugan River to diminish Davao City’s reliance on groundwater.

“Thank you for showing us the deep well of potential that public-private partnerships hold, not just in securing water supply, but also in paving the way for enhanced economic growth, jobs creation, and an improved standards of living for all Filipinos,” the President said.

“Anticipating problems instead of letting them catch us by surprise is how we approach these challenges in the Bagong Pilipinas. We prepare for contingencies, solve problems, and defuse potential crises before they occur,” he added.

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