EDITORIAL — No water to drink

The government is readying mitigation measures amid expectations of a strong El Niño, which could intensify droughts during this year’s dry season. So far, eight provinces are already experiencing drought, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. These are Apayao, Bataan, Cagayan, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Palawan and Zambales.

Cagayan is one of the top rice-producing provinces. Even before the full impact of El Niño is felt, and despite reassurances from dam operators that enough water has been stored for irrigation during the dry months, retail prices of rice have been rising, reportedly hitting a high of P75 a kilo in the Bicol region.

Beyond the immediate threat posed by El Niño, the government must confront another water-related problem that has been around for a long time: the lack of safe water for basic household needs. Yesterday, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said at least 40 million Filipinos still lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. During the Waste and Water Summit, DENR Undersecretary Carlos David said only 74 million Filipinos have access to potable water while 3.8 million still practice open defecation.

The most acute lack is recorded in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where approximately 27 percent of residents lack piped water while 20 percent still defecate in the open, David said. While many local government units have passed ordinances prohibiting open defecation, the ban cannot be enforced because of the lack of sanitation facilities, according to David. He reported that even in Metro Manila, which has the most extensive potable water service, the coverage is 99 percent.

David said at least P250 billion is needed to significantly expand coverage for potable water and sanitation facilities. The lack of sanitation facilities has been around since the first Marcos administration. Periodic droughts aggravate the lack. It would be a notable accomplishment if the problem would be sufficiently addressed during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.