Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to tackle proactive measures that will mitigate the adverse effects of water shortage and the El Niño phenomenon in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“Huwag puro Maharlika Investment Fund. The adverse effects of water shortage and El Niño have far-reaching consequences on various sectors of the economy. Past droughts and water crises have caused a significant toll on the economy, business, agriculture, power generation, public health, and natural resources, among others,” Pimentel said in a statement.
“The concerns about the impending water shortage and El Niño phenomenon were made earlier. Ano na ang ginawang hakbang ng gobyerno? As I said before, the government should take an anticipatory approach and not merely be passive in addressing these challenges,” he added.
Pimentel cited a study by Columbia University which indicates that the El Niño phenomenon in 1997 and 1998 left 70% of the country experiencing devastating drought conditions.
The lawmaker also mentioned the statement of Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion saying a strong El Niño event could lead to national Growth Domestic Product losses of up to $3.3 billion.
“These staggering economic implications highlight the importance of proactive and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the water crisis and El Niño. It is crucial for the President to use the State of the Nation Address as a platform to present long-term strategies and sustainable solutions that can mitigate the effects of water shortage and El Niño,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel also called on the public to conserve water and electricity during the dry season.
“These problems need immediate attention and concerted efforts from both the government and the public. I implore each of us to conserve water,” he said.
In March, Marcos admitted that the Philippines is experiencing a water crisis and mentioned “stratagems” for water treatment and flood control projects, among others, which are needed to address the problem with water. —Hana Bordey/KBK, GMA Integrated News
