Execs urge Ilocos Norte residents to save water

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—Residents in the province of Ilocos Norte are urged to save water before they experience the same in the metro where there is an on-going water shortage.

In a water summit held at the Centennial Arena on March 19, 2019, around 250 participants composed of farmers, policymakers, academicians, disaster risk reduction and management officers and water resource management experts participated in the formulation of a strategic plan to address environmental issues particularly on the lingering effect of El Niño.

With the looming water scarcity from the unpredictable weather conditions caused by climate change, Ilocanos have been told to save water as an immediate solution.

In a presentation of Engr. John Teodoro, manager of the Ilocos Norte Water District, he reiterated that “Water is life and everybody has to do its part to use water wisely.”

Organized by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the third water summit has invited seven speakers in various fields who gave lectures on climate change issues and concerns, potable water, environmental protection, water management and conservation, good agricultural practices, organic fertilizer utilization, planting of early maturing and drought resistant crops, ecological solid waste management and updates on support facilities such as water impounding dams, water harvester etc.

For Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Domingo Ambrocio Jr., in his capacity as chair of the committee on agriculture, he said, “The only way to beat climate change is to be prepared and open for change in order to develop resiliency.”

To date, farmers have raised the alarm of irrigation systems drying up.

At the end of the workshop, the Ilocos Norte government distributed water pumps and sprayers to farmers organizations who attended the summit.

Imee wants audit of water concessionaires in MM

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor and senatorial candidate Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos called on the government to restudy the existing situation of the two concessionaires managing water supply delivery in Metro Manila.

“Can we continue to leave the system in the hands of only two players? Given the billions the concessionaires make yearly from water resources built with public funds, government needs to conduct a performance review in terms of efficiency of services," she explained.

As an immediate solution, MWSS has requested the National Water Resources Board to allow Manila Water to activate 101 deep wells which can supply 101 MLD to its consumers. Manila Water has also been directed to activate and operationalize its Cardona, Rizal treatment plant to provide an additional 100 MLD to its consumers.

On a personal level, Ms. Marcos said our people can help conserve water to ease the water shortage problem especially in the looming onslaught of the El Niño phenomenon.

“A few small changes in our routine can go a long way when it comes to conserving water. Tandaan, pwedeng mawalan ng lovelife, huwag lang ng tubig,” Ms. Marcos quipped.

She also cited the following water-saving tips: use of a shower bucket to re-use water for flushing the toilet or watering plants; turning off the tap while washing your hands; fixing leaks; re-using gray water to avoid wastage and maximizing supply use, among others.