Better water management sought amid drought

MANILA, Philippines — The private sector-led Movement for Water Security has called for public-private partnerships for better water management in the country amid the worsening drought due to El Niño.

Ernesto Ordoñez, the group’s national coordinator, said the private sector, including non-goverment organizations, has the resources, manpower and even expertise that can be mobilized to avert a looming water crisis predicted by experts.

“Water is non-existent. It’s not in the radar (of the government),” he told “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News on Wednesday night.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had warned of an extended dry season due to El Niño that may result in lower water supplies.

Up to 22 provinces are expected to be hit by drought by April, according to PAGASA.

The water level at La Mesa Dam in Quezon City, which supplies most of Metro Manila’s water, continued to decrease due to lack of rain.

Ordoñez said they are advising the public to conserve and store water, including the use of water dipper and pail instead of the shower while taking a bath.

With regard to water harvesting, he noted that the rain catchment facility being provided to local farmers is very expensive.

The Philippines has only four percent rain harvesting, while countries like India have 60 percent in certain areas, the group said.

The movement added that rain harvesting is included in the Green Building Code, but is hardly implemented.

Meanwhile, Ordoñez lauded the Duterte government for its efforts to improve the water quality of Boracay Island and Manila Bay.