Marcos orders fast-tracking of water projects to counter climate threat

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to speed up the completion of water-related projects across the country to mitigate potential water shortages.

In a speech during the inauguration of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply (DCBWSP) Wednesday, Marcos called water scarcity a “perpetual threat that comes with climate change.”

“It is for this reason that I continually stress the urgency of improving water security, and directed agencies concerned to expedite the completion of all water projects across the country,” the president said. 

“Any disruption to the water supply, such as the one posed by the El Niño phenomenon, which we are feeling the effects of now, degrades our quality of life, it dampens economic activities, and can fuel disorder,” he added. 

PAGASA earlier said that a strong El Niño, which brings drier conditions to some parts of the country, is ongoing and may continue until February. Majority of global climate models suggest the phenomenon will likely persist until the March-April-May 2024 season. 

Recent data from the state weather bureau showed that water levels in Luzon dam, including Angat, have dropped below normal. 

Water-energy nexus

Marcos said the DCBWSP exemplifies a government policy shift away from relying on groundwater sources and toward utilizing surface water sources.

The project will utilize the Tamugan River as its surface water source and employ a 100% renewable energy-powered water treatment facility to bulk water supply for Davao City.

“It is not just about supplying Davao City with bulk water, it is also about ensuring that its people are provided with clean water and to improve their quality of life,” Marcos said.

DCBWSP is a project of the Davao City Water District and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., a water subsidiary of Aboitiz InfraCapital.