MM residents urged to save water via social media drive

RESPONSIBLE WATER USAGE. A member of the media takes part in the “Isang Litrong Tubig Challenge” which aims to promote the responsible consumption of water in a press launch at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters in Makati City on Friday (Nov. 29). The MMDA and its partners urged residents of Metro Manila to save up to four liters of water per day via a social media campaign. (Photo by Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

MANILA – The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and partners from the national government and private sector urged Metro Manila residents to save four liters of water daily with the launch of “Oplan Tubig Para sa Kinabukasan”.

In a press launch of the water-saving campaign targeted to social media users, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said there is a necessity to inform every Filipino household, especially in Metro Manila, on the responsible use of water due to previous water shortages.

“Kailangan maiparating natin sa bawat household, bawat Pilipino, sa bawat isa sa halos 15 million dito sa Metro Manila yung impormasyon kung paano makakatulong sa responsableng paggamit ng tubig (It is necessary to inform every household, each of the 15 million Filipinos in Metro Manila, on the responsible use of water),” Lim said.

Lim added that the MMDA took the lead in the campaign due to its role as a metro-wide service.

“Kaya ang gagawin natin dito ay talagang iinvolve natin ang lahat ng LGUs (That’s why we will involve all local government units),” Lim said.

Dr. Sevillo David, Jr., National Water Resources Board (NWRB) executive director, said the water level at Angat Dam on Friday is at 188.6 meters, below the current ideal level of 205 meters.

He said the current weather conditions may not allow Angat Dam to reach the ideal water level of 212 meters by the end of the year.

The project, David said, will not only help Angat Dam reach its ideal level through lesser water demand, but it would also prepare residents for potential issues on water supply.

“Mas maganda sa bahay magsimula ang programang ito. Napapanahon na matutunan ang pagtitipid ng tubig (It is better for this program to begin at the househould level. It is time we learn how to save water),” David said.

Ronald Abrigo, OIC deputy administrator for Innovation and Technology of the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage Systems (MWSS), said long-term solutions like the Kaliwa Dam may take another three years to complete.

The water-saving drive, he said, is a viable short-term solution for water supply issues hounding the capital.

“This information, education and communication drive will help our youth recognize the issues and be the voice of the future for water sustainability and advocacy,” Abrigo said.

The MMDA, in partnership with the MWSS, NWRB, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Manila Water, and Maynilad, launched the initiative to spread information on the current water situation in Metro Manila, prepare residents for periods of water shortages, and to be responsible consumers of water.

The campaign, through its Facebook page, will showcase videos of Metro Manila leaders taking part in the “Isang Litrong Tubig Challenge” which requires participants to use a single liter of water in as many activities as possible through responsible usage and recycling.

The aim of the campaign via social media is to “create a bigger impact not only to those living in Metro Manila but to Filipinos in general.”