DENR supports use of Laguna Lake as water source for Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu on Friday said he supports the use of Laguna Lake as one of water sources for Metro Manila.

This was to address the possible future water shortage in Metro Manila, as experienced in March this year due to low water levels in Angat Dam.

Cimatu cited the increasing population in Metro Manila which led to a higher demand for water.

“Dumami na ang population ng Metro Manila kaya ‘yung basis ng computation before for available of water in Angat Dam is medyo umakyat na. Mabilis ang increase ng population,” Cimatu said in a House budget hearing of the DENR’s 2020 budget.

“Ito po ‘yung nagkulang kaya very vital po itong mga long term plan natin. It’s either coming from dams or utilization of the Laguna Lake. I am supporting the use of Laguna Lake as one of the sources of water for Metro Manila,” he added.

Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) Jaime Medina, meanwhile, said that the Laguna Lake is already being used by two concessionaires as water source.

The Maynilad Water Services Inc., which services the western part of the metropolis, already draws 300 million liters (mld) of water from the lake per day, while its counterpart Manila Water Co. gets 100 mld.

“Three percent of the total (body of water) na ang nakukuha ng concessionaires,” Medina said during the hearing.

After conducting several studies, Medina added that the lake could still provide more water for Metro Manila; however, he said the lake would need dredging and rehabilitation.

The current water quality of the lake is only currently suitable for fishery.

“Kailangan ng dredging para mapalalim at mapalawak pa ang volume na kayang i-stock ng ating Laguna Lake. We are ready and kailangan lang po ‘yung suporta para sa LLDA,” he said.

“Para magkaroon ng massive dredging, rehabilitation and clean up, we would need fund for that and ready po ang Laguna Lake para makatulong sa water crisis,” Medina added. /je

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