MANILA, Philippines – A Malacañang official on Sunday assured the public that there is enough water in the Angat Dam for Metro Manila’s needs.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. issued the statement to allay fears amid the drought that has been causing water in the dam, which supplies an estimated 90 percent of Metro Manila’s water consumption, to evaporate quickly.
"Ayon sa National Water Resources Board na pinangungunahan ni Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary [Rogelio] Singson, meron naman tayong sapat na tubig para sa Metro Manila," Coloma said over a radio interview.
Coloma said the government has already laid out a mitigation plan for the expected lowered water levels.
"Noong umpisa pa man nakapaghanda na itong National Water Resources Board ng isang El Niño preparedness plan na nakapaloob doon ang action plan on water supply for Metro Manila katuwang na sitwasyon sa Angat Dam. Ito ay pinangangasiwaan ng isang El Niño Domestic Supply Management Task Force na binubuo nitong National Water Resources Board, MWSS, National Irrigation Administration, Maynilad at Manila Water," Coloma said.
The palace official said the government also released temporary permits to operate shallow tube and small water impounding facilities for the irrigation.
Coloma added that the National Water Resources Board also made efforts to campaign on water conservation since last year.
"Sila rin ay simula pa noong isang taon ay nagsasagawa na ng kampanya para mapaalam sa ating mga kababayan ang kahalagahan ng water conservation at nakipag-ugnayan din at patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga Metro Manila local government units hinggil dito," Coloma said.
The Communication secretary said the agencies will coordinate to ensure the sufficiency of water supply in Metro Manila and appealed to the public to practice water conservation amid the dry spell.
"Tuluy-tuloy ang paghimok sa ating mga mamamayan na mag-ipon at huwag magsayang ng tubig. Tuluy-tuloy din ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba’t ibang ahensiya para matiyak na magiging sapat ang ating suplay ng tubig lalo na ang tubig na inumin," he said.