We seem to be up for a very trying summer. Aside from the unbearable heat that is already tormenting many of us, Luzon has been hit by an earthquake swarm. To this day, aftershocks can still be felt in Batangas where the epicenter of the tremors was identified. An earthquake also hit off Samar and Davao Oriental. The earth where the country sits on may be adjusting wholesale. To be honest, small, frequent quakes are still better than one big one, which is what we all dread. I sure hope these small adjustments are all that's needed for the earth to settle down.
Then there is the power situation. According to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Luzon is under yellow alert because of the shortage of supply. It seems the earthquakes have somewhat affected Luzon's power supply, even placing the island on red alert for a few hours as the tremors were occurring. I seem to remember the NGCP assuring an adequate power supply for the summer months. Now they are saying it may be inadequate. Perhaps the summer heat has something to do with it as well. There are more people using appliances to beat the heat.
I guess we should be worried for our water supply as well. A quick check with the Bulacan provincial website shows good levels for the Angat, Ipo, and Bustos dams, although the level of Angat Dam has begun to go down. Angat dam supplies most of the water of Metro Manila. I can imagine the concern of authorities when the earthquake swarm occurred. Damage to Angat dam via a strong earthquake would be unthinkable. Imagine the whole of Metro Manila without water. That's the stuff of nightmares.
There really is a need to assess all existing infrastructure. The Duterte administration has promised to spend on infrastructure, compared to the underspending apparently done during the Aquino administration. I agree that improvements and development must be done. Compared to other countries, the Philippines sorely lacks in infrastructure. The dams must be inspected and upgraded as needed. Our perennial power supply problem must be addressed. The fact that we have one of the most expensive power rates in the world speaks volumes. Every administration has seemed to fail in this aspect. There is very little effort in terms of sustainable and renewable energy sources, in spite of the fact that we have the blazing sun for more than half a year. We also get a decent amount of rain, all things being normal. To ignore these potential sources of power is just ridiculous.
I do hope the earth has settled down, so many can as well. Nerves have been frayed, especially in Batangas. There is an apparent rise in churchgoers. I'm sure it is not just the Lenten season, but because of the tremors as well. People remember or gravitate to a higher power in times of fear. I guess we all do.