The state of water resources in the Philippines - Greenpeace

The Greenpeace report Crisis or Opportunity: Climate change impacts and the
Philippines (2005) written by the former head of the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Dr. Leoncio
Amadore also identifies the Southern Mindanao Drought of 1988 as a case in
point. According to this report, the El Nino that occurred in 1997 to 98 was one of
the most severe ENSO event to hit the country. Beginning July 1997, some parts
of the Philippines were already experiencing below normal rainfall. By October of
the same year, practically the whole country experienced a drastic drop in
rainfall, leaving rice and corn production at risk. The peak of the dry spell had
ravaged the country until June of the next year (CAB T.P. No 2001-7, as cited in
the report).
Experts project that by year 2025, water availability deficit would take place in
several river basins such as in Pampanga and Agno, in Pasig-Laguna, in
Cagayan Valley, all other regions in Luzon, in Jalaur and Ilog Hilabangan, and in
the island of Cebu in Visayas (PEM 2003).
D. Major problems concerning water use and scarcity
The discussion below summarizes the major problems concerning water use and
scarcity identified in NWRB’s report on “Challenges to Water Resource
Management in the Philippines”, World Bank’s “Water Resource Assistance
Strategy 2003”, the report contained in the PEM 2004 issue, and selected news
articles from the national dailies.
Disparities between water supply and demand
Despite the abundant water resources in the Philippines, distribution of these
resources varies widely in time and place as a result of the different geographic
and climate conditions prevailing in different parts of the country (Barba, P,
2003).
Water resources are unevenly distributed throughout the country, often resulting
in water shortages in highly populated areas, especially during the dry season.
Several river basins (Pampanga, Agno, Pasig-Laguna, and on the island of
Cebu) are also experiencing generalized water scarcity (PEM, 2004).
Lack of water allocation formula
Most of the problems encountered in the water sector today arise from an issue
of conflicts of use and water allocation. With the increase of population coupled
with worsening pollution of water, lack of infrastructure and facilities result in
allocation issues and conflicting rights over limited water supply. The principle in
the Water Code of "first in time priority in right" may no longer be an equitable
approach in resolving such conflicts.
In times of drought or emergency, a national policy exists wherein domestic water
supply gets priority over all others within the limits of its water rights (National
Water Resources Board, 1976, as cited in Jose, A. and Cruz, N., 1999).
Conflicts arise, as in the case of the Angat Reservoir, when the MWSS withdraws
water from the reservoir over and above its existing water rights, and in the
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