Lapid seeks creation of Water Resources Authority amid recent water shortage

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Lito Lapid on Monday called for the creation of the Water Resources Authority of the Philippines (WRAP), citing the recent water shortage in Metro Manila.

Under Senate Bill No. 52 or the Water Resources Management Act, Lapid said the establishment of WRAP would help ensure the long-term sustainable management of the country’s scarce water resources.

“Nais nating matugunan at masolusyunan ang problema sa tubig ng ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng isang ahensiya na siyang mamamahala sa ating pinagkukunan ng tubig,” Lapid said, adding that the recent cases of water shortage — particularly in Metro Manila — served as proof of Manila’s lack of preparation during water crises.

(We want to solve our water problems by setting up an agency that will oversee our water sources.)

Lapid added that WRAP would serve as a “long-term solution” to the problems in the water sector.

The bill seeks to have the country’s water resources utilized and developed through an integrated water management system, which will be managed “by an authority properly empowered with a defined mandate on policy-making and implementation.”

Further, the bill also seeks to rationalize the activities of national and local government agencies that are concerned with water extraction and distribution. (Editor: Eden Estopace)