Much needs to be done for the country to become water supply secure, thus declared Reynaldo  Velasco, administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, who pointed out that the Philippines’ national water security score stands at 40.4 out of 100.

Addressing the Environment Committee of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex), Velasco said this meant the country was not quite secure in its water supply.

“Water supply must be secured through additional water sources. We cannot depend solely on the Angat Dam especially when the ‘Big One’ or a 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes,” Velasco added, citing that MWSS is pursuing the Laiban and Kaliwa water dam projects to ensure adequate, steady and sustainable water supply for consumers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in the next 25 to 50 years.

The MWSS chief spoke at the “Water Security Forum Series 4: Averting a Crisis,” which Finex organized to raise awareness on how government and private agencies can work together to reduce risks and improve capacity to ensure long-term water security.

New projects

Presented during the forum were the Duterte administration’s new water source projects that will impact on the water supply needs of the country.

Key speakers at the forum were Ferdinand Dela Cruz, president of Manila Water and Ramoncito  Fernandez, president of Maynilad Water.

“It is encouraging to see the government and private sectors working together to push various plans and measures for water sustainability,” said Finex Environment Committee chair Rodrigo E. Franco.

Dela Cruz said Manila Water has reduced water system losses and saved 700 million liters per day.

“As we start breaching the limits of supply, we need to work together in developing the Kaliwa Dam soon, updating the Metro Manila Water Supply Masterplan, preserving the sanctity of the concession agreement, and ensuring a successful rate rebasing exercise,” Dela Cruz said.

Maynilad has committed to invest more in water infrastructure like reservoirs and pumping stations, as well as in new treatment facilities to improve the water supply system’s resiliency to climate change.