The Department of Environment and Natural Resources plans to deploy filtration and desalination systems across several “water stressed” provinces, as it warns that the country faces “water bankruptcy.”
The agency’s Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) said it will soon activate high performance filtration and desalination systems in 59 barangays in Masbate, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and other areas where access to clean water has become critical.
The DENR also aims to complete spring water systems across 11 sites which will feature a micro-hydropower component that can provide “simultaneous water and energy solutions.”
Based on a report by the WRMO, the DENR still has a budget of P485 million, covering the period of 2024 until the current year, for the implementation of such projects. It is expected to benefit about 440,904 residents once completed.
Desalination was introduced by the DENR in 2021, with the inauguration of a desalination plant system in Mavulis Island, Batanes province.
“We are currently facing what we call water bankruptcy – a structural imbalance where our consumption far outpaces nature’s ability to replenish the tank,” acting Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.
He added that the DENR is also working to fast track the approval of permits for communal water use and for monitoring of surface water and groundwater sources, while also collecting stormwater through multipurpose dams and retention basins.
As our populations and cities grow, water bankruptcy has become a real and looming problem for humanity. Preparations to face it squarely and sustainably must be made as early as possible, and local communities and governments, as well as national government agencies like the DENR must work together as soon as possible, while we are not yet bankrupt.*
