Marcos orders concerned agencies to expedite PH water projects

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the inauguration of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project in Davao City on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.  (Photo from RTV Malacañang)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered all concerned government agencies to expedite water projects across the country.

Marcos led the inauguration of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) in Davao, where Environment Secretary Maria Yulo-Loyzaga, Special Assistant to President Antonio Lagdemeo, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and more joined him.

“What this demonstrates is a proven approach to battling water scarcity— which is no longer a seasonal challenge but a perpetual threat that comes with climate change,” said Marcos in his speech.

“It is for this reason that I continue to stress the urgency of improving water security and directed agencies concerned to expedite the completion of all water projects across the country,” he added.

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According to Marcos, the DCBWSP signifies a shift in government policy from taking water from ground sources to using surface water sources.

The project is also a water-energy nexus concept, wherein electricity is also produced from the hydro plant, he added.

“It is not just about supplying Davao City with bulk water. It is also about ensuring that its people will be provided with clean water and to improve their quality of life,” said Marcos.

The project was in partnership with Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., a water subsidiary of Aboitiz InfraCapital. It will tap the Tamugan River as a water source, according to the Apo Agua on its website.

The DCBWSP is set to supply water to over a million residents of Davao and will augment the City’s reliance on groundwater.