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Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

No reason for water trouble

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"Solutions are right in front of us."

 

 

In a briefing last March, the Committee on Public Accounts sought the commitment of our water concessionaires regarding the implementation of long-term solutions to this water crisis. Two months hence, our situation remains dire.

It is disappointing that after the actions taken by Congress, there has been no effective measure implemented by the said agencies. During the hearing yesterday, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called for the formulation and implementation of long-term solutions to this water shortage. I, along with the members of the Minority, urged water concessionaires to look for alternative sources of water supply.

Quezon Province has provided additional supply during water shortages since the time of President PNoy. During a briefing in March this year, one potential source identified is the Sumag River Diversion Project.

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The Sumag River Diversion Project, which was suspended in 2016, was intended to supplement water supply to Angat Dam. The Sumag River will be connected to the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Tunnel and shall join the Umiray River in supplying water to Angat. It was anticipated to provide 188 million liters of water per day.

I highly recommend the revisiting of the benefits that will be produced by this project in the long run. We may recall that this has been stalled back in 2016. Today, I believe that the conditions are proper to resume the construction of this tunnel. Of course, the firm and non-negotiable terms of this project should also be revisited, to assure strict and faithful compliance with the Constitution, environmental, and safety laws.

As we end the 18th Congress, I highly urge the government agencies, especially the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, National Water Resources Bureau, Local Water Utilities Administration, National Irrigation Authority, National Economic Development Authority, Departments of Agriculture, Budget and Management, Environment and Natural Resources and Public Works and Highways, and water concessionaires Manila Water Company, Inc., and Maynilad Water Services, Inc., to revisit the proposed Quezon project. I agree with the Speaker that we need long-term solutions. These solutions are right in front of us. As a country surrounded by bodies of water, we shall be a living contradiction if this water shortage continues. We have lots of sources but the problem is we lack the means to utilize them and make the most out of it, and the will to pursue the greater good.

It has been an honor to serve as Minority Leader of the 17th Congress. I am confident that the incoming legislators of the 18th Congress will remain true to their mandate. I am grateful that there are legislators who will serve another term and will be able to continue our work of putting forward laws and policies which are geared towards the promotion of public good and national development.

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