On current water shortage: Leni presses for sensible water use, seeks funding

MAYOR Leni Robredo is pursuing aggressive fund-sourcing initiatives to help the Metro Naga Water District (MNWD) finance its infrastructure projects aimed at improving the supply of potable water in the city.

The mayor’s move comes at a time when the city continues to experience a worsening shortage of potable water.

During a meeting on Monday, July 14, with MNWD General Manager Florencio Tam-Mongoso and the water district's board of directors led by Chairman Gilbert Albero, Robredo was informed of the multiple causes of the city’s water woes. Chief among them is the city’s growing population and rapid commercial development, which has significantly increased the demand for water while contributing to the depletion of groundwater sources.

At present, about 70 percent of the water supplied by MNWD comes from groundwater sources—many of which are now under strain due to the widespread concreting of land, especially in commercial areas.

Compounding the situation are the bureaucratic hurdles involved in procuring and implementing water infrastructure projects, and the delay in adjusting water rates due to changes in LWUA leadership. These setbacks, Robredo said, have prolonged the suffering of the Nagueño.

To ease the crisis, Mayor Robredo said she has requested water lorries from the Manila Water Foundation to temporarily augment supply in water-scarce barangays. “Water lorries may not be enough, but they can help address the immediate needs of affected communities,” she said.

Robredo is also seeking the assistance of Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan to endorse MNWD’s request to LWUA.

In the meeting, the punong barangays expressed their frustration over the year-long water shortage, saying they have yet to see any sign of recovery in water supply. Robredo acknowledged their concerns, citing the MNWD’s limitations in constructing new infrastructure.

From 2013 to 2023, only three new pumping stations were built, a far cry from the agency’s target of 12. “The present MNWD leadership has to catch up, especially since many of the existing pumping stations are now aging,” she said.

MNWD officials added that while they have funds to purchase a water lorry, the Department of Budget and Management has not yet granted them the necessary permit, despite months of waiting.

In her message to the Nagueños, Mayor Robredo called for a more mindful and responsible use of water:

“Let’s be responsible water users because our no-care attitude in the utilization of water has a bad effect on others. Water supply is not infinite. At this time, we must think that when one misuses water, someone else goes without.”

Meanwhile, in line with its goal of enhancing the delivery of services and ensuring the welfare of its constituents, the city government of Naga has reconstituted its local health board through Executive Order No. 011 signed by Mayor Leni Robredo.

The move is consistent with the mandate of the Local Government Code of 1991, which requires all local government units to establish a local health board.

But beyond compliance, Robredo emphasized that the reconstitution of the Naga City Local Health Board (NCLHB) seeks to institutionalize participatory and consensus-based governance in addressing public health needs.

“Our city government wants to ensure it can carry out its programs and projects efficiently for the good of the people,” Robredo said. “This includes strengthening the involvement and participation of offices and agencies engaged in promoting the city’s health and general well-being.”

The NCHB functions as an advisory body on health-related concerns, including the evaluation and recommendation of appropriate local appropriations for health programs and services.

With its reconstitution, the board is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the city’s continuing pursuit of inclusive growth and sustainable development through responsive health governance. Jason B. Neola