Water shortage not due to power generation

MANILA, Philippines - Good day! I am writing on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE) with regards to the Consumer & Oil Price Watches paid ad, which appeared in your publication, The Philippine STAR, on February 23, 2010.

May we inform the public that there is a protocol in the use of water in Angat Dam in the following sequence: 1) human consumption (drinking), 2) irrigation, and lastly 3) for power generation. Moreover, Angat Dam is under the authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Thus, Secretary Reyes does not have the authority to order the use of Angat exclusively for power generation.

The current shortage in the water supply in Luzon does not emanate from power generation but due to circumstances beyond our control such as the ‘El Niño’ phenomenon. Likewise, the prolonged drought has indeed put Mindanao in frequent power outages, considering its heavy reliance on hydro-electric power. We are already in the process of addressing this situation.

Thank you for your kind understanding and rest assured that the Department and its attached agencies are continually working to provide the Filipinos access to quality, reasonably priced and safe sources of energy. — MYLENE C. CAPONGCOL, Director for Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, Department of Energy