đ·: Iskolar ng Bayan / FB
Civil society groups are sounding the alarm over what they call the governmentâs misplaced priorities in water allocation, as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced plans to harness impounding technology to secure supply for the United Statesâ Pax Silica project.
The Water for the People Network condemned the move, stressing that while industrial ventures are guaranteed resources, millions of ordinary consumers continue to endure shortages.
âButi pa ang Pax Silica, ginagawan ng gobyerno ng paraan para magkatubigâat may public announcement pa. Paano naman ang milyun-milyong ordinaryong konsyumer?â the group said.
Central Luzon, already among the countryâs most water-stressed regions, faces critically low levels at Angat Dam, with El Niño threatening further depletion.
Farmers have been hit hard, as the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) reduced irrigation allocations to conserve dwindling reserves.
Communities have long campaigned against water privatization and joint venture agreements, which they argue worsened service gaps.
Despite repeated investigations and promises from Malacañang,including during the 2025 elections, households remain without reliable supply while water conglomerates continue to profit.
âNaka-ilang imbestigasyon at pangako na rin ang Malacañang, lalo na noong 2025 elections. Pero hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring matinong tubig habang patuloy na lumolobo ang kita ng mga water oligarchs gaya nina Razon, Ang, Co, at iba pa.,â the group stressed.
Data underscores the systemic shortfall: of more than 28,000 water service providers nationwide, only 6,408 deliver Level III piped connections. Over half remain at Level I, reliant on wells and springs without household links.
Advocates insist that water security must begin with the peopleâs right to safe, sufficient, and accessible supply.
âWater security means first ensuring the peopleâs right to waterânot corporate profits,â the network emphasized. # (RRN)
