Malacañang yesterday expressed concern about the unexpected water interruptions in certain areas in Metro Manila that continue to affect thousands of residents.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement after Metro Manila residents were shocked to learn of unannounced water interruptions since Friday.
Manila Water has apologized for the water interruptions in Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, and San Juan City. Maynilad also announced water service interruptions in certain portions of Manila, Quezon City, Makati City, Caloocan City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City, Valenzuela City, Navotas City, and Malabon City.
Cavite City, Bacoor City, Imus City, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite are also affected.
Panelo said that the government is concerned about the situation, assuring that they will do something to address the issue.
“We’re always concerned with respect to any problem affecting the welfare of people,” he said. “Yes we will respond to that. Pero ang problema ata ‘yung tubig manggagaling sa langit. Walang ulan. Pag walang ulan paano? Baka mag-aantay tayo,” he added.
Despite having not yet discussed the situation with President Duterte, Panelo said one thing that can be done is cloud seeding or the spreading of chemicals into the clouds to promote rainfall. “That’s a possibility. In fact ‘yan yung naiisip ko kung bakit hindi gumagawa ng cloud seeding. Diba usually ‘yan ang ginagawa,” he said.
He, however, said that he will ask Duterte if there were already specific instructions made to address the water shortage.
The Palace official added that there should be improvements on how water concessionaires inform the citizens so they can make necessary adjustments as well. “Maybe we will improve on that… on the information and notices to the people so they will be prepared,” Panelo said.
Meanwhile, customers of Manila Water will continue to experience low pressure to no water service interruptions throughout the summer months because of the El Niño while Maynilad doesn’t see the need yet to reduce its water supply discharge at least in the next few weeks.
Dittie Galang, Manila Water head of planning and tactical development corporate communications, said that because of El Niño, her company would be implementing “operational adjustments” in the way it will release its water supply to its customers. “We will implement scheduled water service interruptions until summer months. That will be up to June or when the rainy season begins,” Galang said.
Coupled with steadily rising demand due to population increase and rapid economic growth, the dry conditions threaten water levels at La Mesa Dam, Manila Water Corporate Strategic Affairs Group Head Jeric Sevilla said.
Manila Water sources its water from the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system. Water from Angat passes through Ipo Dam where it is released to La Mesa Dam.
Right now, Galang said Manila Water is studying schemes it can employ to avoid 24-hour water interruptions.
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco said in that while there is enough water supply for its consumers, there is still a need to save water to help cushion water shortage, one of the varying impacts of El Niño.
“Since we primarily source our water from Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system, we have to do our share to help lessen the effect of El Niño not only on our need for water in our households and industries but also on agriculture,” Velasco said.
As a rule, discharge for potable water supply becomes the priority during drought events, reducing water releases for agricultural irrigation and power generation. (Argyll Geducos and Madeleine Miraflor)