Duterte orders gov’t agencies, state-run schools to conserve water

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government agencies to implement water conservation measures ahead of the dry season, which usually begins in April.

Duterte addressed the directive to all national government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, especially those located near Angat Dam in Bulacan, which supplies more than 90% of Metro Manila's water needs.

Signed by the President on Wednesday, Administrative Order 24 stated that the projections of the National Water Resources Board showed that Angat Dam will be below its minimum operating water level of 180 meters from April to May 2020.

“There is an urgent need to implement water conservation measures to avert a looming water crisis and in order to attain at least a 20% reduction in water consumption especially within the areas served by the Angat Dam, including Metro Manila and parts of Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan provinces,” the order stated.

Duterte instructed the El Niño Task Force, in coordination with several agencies, to conduct massive information campaign and various advocacy programs on water conservation.

He also said the local government units must issue advisories and enact ordinances that will protect water supply in their respective areas. The Department of the Interior and Local Government was tasked to monitor the compliance of the LGUs.

Failure to comply with the presidential directive will result in the filing of administrative charges, the AO said.

Metro Manila and Rizal suffered a water crisis in March last year, prompting Duterte to lash out at water concessionaires and to change the leadership of regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. -NB, GMA News