At around this time every year for the past few years, this column seems to serve as a sounding horn of the summer fast approaching and the looming water shortage in the country. In the early 1990s, the country suffered from intermittent water supply which eventually led to the enactment of the National Water Crisis Act of 1995. This law paved the way for the privatization of water utilities. Since then, admittedly, water services have improved. However, the increasing demand for water as urbanization and industrialization rapidly took place could not be sustained by our existing water sources.
Hence, we need to prudently use and tap water sources that are more sustainable and efficient. By sustainable, we mean that there will be lower costs and less detriment to the environment. By efficient, we mean that it can supply a larger amount of water to Metro Manila and nearby areas.
There were several proposals for the construction of new dams for Metro Manila’s water supply. We have been well-acquainted with this as various issues surround the winning project—the Kaliwa Dam project. As now governor of Quezon, and even when I was in Congress, I have firmly expressed our dissent to this project. Several manifestations have already been made regarding its adverse impact on the environment as well as on the indigenous communities that will be displaced by this project. While this is so, sadly, the project continues.
I have repeatedly explained the cons of this project as well as the advantages of other dam projects. I am baffled at the preference of the national government to implement the project through foreign loans while we have local firms who are as capable and competent to do the project at a significantly lower cost. Apart from that, if these projects will be given to local companies, then more Filipinos would benefit as the much needed employment opportunities would also flow in amidst the pandemic.
It is not a hard puzzle to solve. All these benefits for the Filipinos are apparent. Hence, it is high time that we, once again, push for better alternatives to this Kaliwa Dam project. I reiterate our vehement opposition to this as it is deemed that the pros do not outweigh the cons. In 10 years time, we will be looking at these projects with regret that sustainable development was set aside. Let us not make such a mistake.
I, therefore, call on the national government to, again, seriously reconsider the construction of the Kaliwa Dam project, and instead, look into alternative projects such as the Kanan Dam or the Sumag River Diversion Project, or the utilization of Agos and Umiray rivers. While promoting water conservation are proper and should be relentless, we really have to look for other water sources to augment our current water supply. As much as we endeavor to save resources, our growing population, rapid development, and climate change make it difficult to cope with our limited supply. The only compromise we can make is to ensure that our projects will have the least damage to the environment and to the people.