Millions of Filipinos are enduring dry taps and unreliable water, a crisis President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directly confronted in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28.
Marcos revealed that more than six million consumers nationwide are grappling with the “poor state of water services.” He vowed decisive government intervention and accountability for negligent water districts and their private partners.
The president said residents across the archipelago have voiced frustration over water failing to consistently reach their homes, a critical public service breakdown.
This sentiment resonates strongly with consumer groups, such as those in Bacolod City, who have been vocal in demanding the termination of joint venture agreements, citing “poor service and water quality” – a sentiment directly aimed at the Bacolod City Water District and PrimeWater Infrastructure.
The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is now tasked with cracking down on the “sloppy service” plaguing these water providers, he said in a televised speech at the House of Representatives. Marcos emphasized that the LWUA will not only work to restore reliable water service for millions of Filipinos but also ensure that pricing remains affordable.
Beyond operational improvements, the President stressed the importance of accountability. “Above all, we will ensure that those who neglect and fail in this important public service are held accountable,” he declared, signaling a tougher stance against underperforming entities.
Marcos also touched the issue on electric supply citing the recent widespread blackouts in Siquijor, which led to a declaration of a state of calamity.
He said investigations into the power crisis revealed a litany of issues including expired permits, neglected equipment, slow response, and systemic failures in purchasing essential supplies.
He ordered the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to restore normal power in Siquijor by year-end and establish long-term solutions, stressing, “This must not happen again.”
