Press Release
August 2, 2009

ANGARA URGES UPGRADE OF RP WATER SYSTEM

Senator Edgardo J. Angara calls for more advanced research and stronger implementation in water management to conserve water, efficiently utilize its limited source and solve the prevailing water scarcity in the country.

Noting the apparent lack of potable water supply in many urban areas and the rising price of drinking water as an increasing burden for millions of Filipinos, Sen. Angara, former Agriculture Secretary, warns, "Water is a vital element in our daily lives and a crucial factor in national economic progress. With pollution resulting in global warming and the drastic change in ecology, including higher acidity levels, we have every reason to fear an eventual depletion of water supply," says Angara.

Most urban areas in the country are not able to provide potable tap water in their services, hence the necessity for people to allocate a significant amount in their daily budgets for drinking water. With the current economic crisis and the rise of commodity prices in the market, consumers are faced with tougher times to defray daily expenses.

Back in 2007 the ADB warned that the country's freshwater supply could be depleted by 2025 if we continue exploiting our water supply in inefficient manner, and if the country does not invest in water management and infrastructure.

He adds, "Today technology evolves at its fastest in human history, and through innovation technology now offers solutions to relieve water stress or overuse that leads to the deterioration of both quantity and quality of available and sustainable water sources."

Angara compares that the US government allocated US$16 billion for water-related projects in its recent stimulus package. IBM, despite the financial crisis, ventured into the global water solutions market, estimated to reach US$20 billion in five years. Many Western European cities are highly sustained with and constantly integrated into innovations to provide for potable drinking tap water.

In Davao City and Negros Province, for example, local water service system is properly maintained such that the entire metropolis is provided with clean, potable water in all areas.

Angara calls for national cooperation: "Our ailing water management and infrastructure system needs to be urgently reviewed and changed. Every minute of inaction prolongs and compounds the problem of overexploitation and unsustainable use of water in the country."

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