PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed both the private and public sectors to fast-track the completion of all water projects in the Philippines.
He stated that this directive is part of a collective effort to enhance water security and address the potential water shortage in the country.
The President mentioned this during his speech at the inauguration of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project in Davao City on February 7.
The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, a collaboration between Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), stands as one of the largest private bulk water supply facilities in the country.
“The Davao City Bulk Water Supply project is also a concrete step for us to lessen our reliance on limited groundwater by tapping the Tamugan River as a sustainable water source. It is not just about supplying Davao City with bulk water; it is also about ensuring that its people are provided with clean water and improving their quality of life,” President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. stated.
This water supply project can deliver 300 million liters of clean water daily to over a million residents.
Aboitiz Equity Ventures Incorporated President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz assured that the company will continue providing sustainable, reliable, and safe water to all Davaoeños.
“President & CEO, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. Former President Duterte. One million Davaoeños,” Sabin Aboitiz said.
Marcos acknowledged Apo Agua of Aboitiz InfraCapital, along with the Davao City Water District and the local government, for their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts in realizing the said project.
He noted that this project will pave the way for economic growth, job creation, and an improvement in the quality of life for Filipinos.
“Any disruption to the water supply, such as the one posed by the El Niño phenomenon, which we are feeling the effects of now, degrades our quality of life, dampens economic activities, and can fuel disorder,” President Marcos added.
Before this, President Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in collaboration with various government agencies, to prioritize and expedite the completion of water supply projects in areas severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
He also tasked the DPWH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to explore public-private partnerships for the rehabilitation and improvement of water supply systems in the country.
Also, the DPWH was instructed to construct large-scale water impounding projects to increase service coverage in various areas.
