The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has started mitigation efforts to address water supply concerns during the dry season and El Niño.
According to DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David, the water sector has consolidated following the 2023 El Niño, and now meets regularly, after having been able to curb major water supply interruptions in Metro Manila then.
He noted that if Angat Dam’s water level declines, the same plans will be implemented.
State weather forecasters are expecting the dry season to begin soon.
The push for the establishment of a Department of Water remains, but David said “The coordination of different agencies is quite strong. We won’t have any major issues in terms of water supply this year.”
DENR chief Juan Miguel Cuna said emergency protocols are ready for a cross-border supply system to help areas with less water supply.
In provinces like Negros Occidental, which has been fortunate enough to avoid serious droughts and water supply problems, preparation for the eventuality is still key.
Strategies like the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project, which aims to shift the province’s reliance on rapidly depleting groundwater to sustainable surface water, can hopefully make a difference. The earlier it can start, the better. The challenge is how the local government units involved can effectively communicate with each other, including their constituents, and come up with a mutually beneficial agreement where everyone ultimately benefits in the end.
Other water-related initiatives like the pilot desalination project on Molocaboc Island in Sagay City, and small water impounding systems in upland areas, all contribute to improving water security.
Preventing water bankruptcy will require lots of foresight and a science-based approach that must be coordinated and implemented by local and national government. Let us not wait for the crisis to be impending before we act to secure our water supply.*
