Gov’t units urged to conserve water

The Ecological Society of the Philippines (ESP) recently called on concerned government agencies to be more vigilant in the conservation of water, to intensify the reforestation program nationwide, protect remaining forests and watersheds and eradicate illegal logging activities. ESP president Antonio M. Claparols said, "we must make sure that water remains unpolluted and water resources enhanced."

"Water is life and without it we cannot survive, it is a basic element for life on earth and agriculture amongst other things. The water shortage in Angat Dam is serious. Even the cloud seeding has not made any contribution to increase the water level of the dam," he added.

With the current strange weather patterns occurring worldwide, it is predicted that the next wars will be fought on water issue. "It is already happening," he said, adding that "one can only feel the effects of the water shortage in our dams and watersheds. Our agricultural produce will fall and the nation will be prone to food shortages and poverty will increase."

Claparols aired an appeal for the government to strictly implement the logging ban and to intensify the reforestation program. This is because scientists predict an El Niño year due to the strange and extreme weather patterns, he pointed out.

"We should prepare for this water crisis, or suffer its consequences. We need to mitigate the shortage by preserving our watersheds, protected areas and forests," Claparol added.