MANILA, April 18 – Malacañang assured Sunday that the water supply sourced from the Angat Dam is sufficient for Metro Manila’s consumption despite its high level of evaporation.
“Ayon sa National Water Resources Board na pinangungunahan ni Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary (Babes) Singson, meron naman tayong sapat na tubig para sa Metro Manila,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said in a radio interview.
He pointed out the government had already prepared to mitigate the expected low water levels based on the El Niño preparedness plan.
“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,” the Secretary said.
Coloma further said the National Water Resources Board also embarked on water conservation campaigns 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,” he added.
For irrigation on the other hand the Palace official said the government released temporary permits to operate shallow tube well and small water impounding facilities.
“Para naman sa irigasyon, sila ay nagbigay ng mga temporary permits para sa operasyon ng mga tinatawag na shallow tube well at small water impounding facilities,” he said.
Coloma also encouraged the public to practice water conservation, adding the agencies will coordinate with local government units to ensure the sufficiency of water supply.
“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,” the Secretary stressed.
The Angat Dam supplies around 90 percent of Metro Manila’s water consumption. PND