'Water supply enough this summer'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has assured the public that the government is undertaking measures to ensure ample water supply during the hot, summer months.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde noted that all government agencies responsible for the supply of water under the National Water Resources Board have been directed to undertake all measures to prevent any disruption of service.

Remonde pointed out that the summer months bring a long dry spell for the country and this affects the water levels in reservoirs.

He said the administration has accomplished a lot in terms of bringing stable supply of water to all residents, particularly in the Metro Manila area where population density is highest.

Citing data from the Metropolitan Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Remonde pointed out that water service coverage has improved to 88 percent or 1.97 million households in 2008, from 896,400 in 2000.

In 2008 alone, Remonde noted that a total of 60,745 households, representing 404,270 individuals, were provided with water connections.

“This brings the total number of people in the area with access to potable water system to 12 million people or 1.97 million households,” Remonde said.

The MWSS is the regulating government agency for water services for Metro Manila and parts of Cavite and Rizal.

Remonde argued that when it comes to the provision of basic services to the people, “the record of the administration of President Arroyo is unbeatable.”

He also noted that the government is on top of the situation on power supply, particularly in the Visayas region.