PBBM’s directives bring hope as MPIW’s failures push water costs to P250/ cu.m

Filipinos welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive to address the pressing water issues plaguing Iloilo and other parts of the country.

This includes his call for accountability from joint ventures, ensuring that water services prioritize the public’s well-being and provide access to safe and reliable water for all.

Water scarcity is a nationwide issue that requires urgent intervention.

According to the Department of Economy, Development, & Planning’s National Water Supply and Sanitation Databook and Regional Roadmaps (Volume 2: Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan), a mere 43% of the country has access to Level III water supply (individual house connections).

In Iloilo, the water crisis has reached a critical point. Despite billions of pesos committed by Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), 73% of Ilonggos still lack access to a consistent and reliable water supply.

The situation has worsened, with entire barangays experiencing prolonged water shortages, forcing residents to rely on trucked water, which can cost as much as P250 per cubic meter—a staggering ten times the current price of water.

These figures reflect the systemic problems in the water sector, exacerbated by underperformance from several water districts and joint ventures.

Moreover, this is beginning to mirror Bacolod City, where the City Council there recently passed a resolution demanding action from PrimeWater Bacolod City amid “the absence of clear communication and accountability.”

The Iloilo City government, recognizing the gravity of the crisis, has taken proactive steps to find a sustainable solution to the water shortage.

It is committed to addressing this crisis by taking concrete actions. It has formally submitted Letters of Intent to the National Irrigation Administration and the National Water Resources Board to secure the water rights from the Jalaur River, which will serve as a vital source of bulk water supply for the city.

Additionally, the LGU is actively utilizing the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, as outlined by the Marcos administration’s PPP Code, by bidding out the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project. This move demonstrates the LGU’s commitment to finding a sustainable and long-term solution to the water crisis, in alignment with national directives.

Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address echoed the urgency of addressing the country’s water crisis.

In his address, he remarked: “Marami kaming natatanggap na reklamo na hindi man lang daw umaabot ang tubig sa kanilang mga gripo. Sa lawak ng reklamo, lampas anim na milyong konsyumer sa buong bansa ang kasalukuyang naapektuhan. Higit sa lahat, titiyakin nating mapapanagot ang mga nagpabaya at nagkulang sa mahalagang serbisyong-publiko na ito.”

These statements are particularly relevant for Iloilo, as the LGU has been struggling to secure reliable water access for its residents.

His directive strengthens the LGU’s call for national support, as it aligns with efforts to address the chronic underperformance of local water districts and their joint venture partners – very much like Metro Iloilo Water District and MPIW.

During last year’s inauguration of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II (JRMPII), President Marcos outlined a comprehensive strategy for water management in the country.

He stated, “In Bagong Pilipinas, we are strategically harnessing our finite resources, especially water. On top of its (JRMPII) use for irrigation, a portion of the water from the High Dam’s reservoir, or around 86 million liters per day, will be utilized to supply the commercial and industrial bulk water requirements of Iloilo City and its neighboring municipalities.”

This pronouncement underscores the potential of the Jalaur River as a critical resource for addressing Iloilo’s water crisis. With national support, the Iloilo City Government is poised to leverage this resource to provide sustainable water solutions for its residents and surrounding communities.

The success of Iloilo City’s efforts to resolve the water crisis is contingent upon the support of the national government in securing the water rights and implementing the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply PPP Project.

The Ilonggos’ right to reliable water supply and public health must not be delayed any further, as the cost of no water—from buying expensive trucked or bottled water to the hidden costs, such as wasted time waiting for deliveries, the inconvenience of waking up early to store water, and the lost business opportunities, particularly for MSMEs—is significantly affecting the quality of life for Ilonggos on a daily basis.

The Iloilo City Government continues to call on the national government to recognize the severity of the water crisis in Iloilo and to support the LGU’s efforts in securing the water rights from the Jalaur River.

The government’s commitment to improving public services, as expressed in the President’s directives, provides a timely and critical foundation for the LGU’s water security initiatives. (Advertorial)