Water shortage looms in Metro, says lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - An administration lawmaker has warned that Metro Manila and nearby provinces are facing shortage of potable water in the near future if the government will not explore other sources of water.

Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar filed Resolution 2619, directing the House committee on appropriations and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to conduct an investigation on the need to develop water sources in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces based on a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“The presumed abundance of water as a resource, given our climate and geographical location, should not make the government complacent as massive urbanization continues to threaten the supply of potable water in Metro Manila and other urban zones,” Villar said.

“The objective of this measure is to maintain a continuous supply of water and to craft relevant legislation to ensure sustainability of water supply for the welfare of Metro Manila residents,” he said.

Citing the “Good Practice in Urban Water Management,” a study conducted by ADB, the lawmaker said Metro Manila should tap other sources of water in times of calamities like draught and earthquakes, which could damage the dams that are the primary sources of water at present.

Data from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Master Plan on Water Resources Management in the Philippines showed that only 1,907 cubic meters of fresh water would be available to each person every year, making the Philippines second to the lowest among Southeast Asian countries with available fresh water.

The National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB) has identified nine urbanized areas where water is consumed intensively. These are Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Davao, Baguio City, Angeles City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City.

“The challenge left to the country is for the government to develop new sources of water supply which is capable of sustaining better and cleaner water supply for the people’s consumption not only in Metro Manila but in the entire country,” Villar said.