Hydro hazard response program urged

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Philippine Commission Secretary General Preciosa Soliven yesterday urged international experts on water resource management to involve all sectors in their programs to prevent adverse effects of hydrological hazards.

Speaking at the 15th regional steering committee meeting of the UNESCO-International Hydrological Programme for Southeast Asia and the Pacific at the InterContinental Manila in Makati City, Soliven said “the society does not know much about science.”

She said it’s only when landslide or tsunami occurs that people try to find out its cause.

“I challenge you experts of hydrological programs to put all these issues that you are talking about in layman’s term,” Soliven said, adding that the people “want to be involved.”

Due to its geographical location, the Philippines is at risk for hydrological hazards like flashfloods and drought, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Meanwhile, National Water Resources Board executive director Ramon Alikpala urged major players in the water sector to enhance water management especially in river basins.

Alikpala said there are nine areas in the country that might experience water shortage in the coming years due to improper use of water and the growing population.

These areas are: Metro Manila, Angeles City and Baguio City in Luzon; Iloilo, Bacolod and Metro Cebu in Visayas; and Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

Alikpala said Metro Manila and Metro Cebu are already experiencing water shortage.

He said the cost of fresh water might also get expensive.

Alikpala urged Filipinos to use rain water in some household chores to minimize the use of treated water.