Following a direct directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., local water authorities across the Philippines are actively assessing and addressing water supply issues in 532 water districts nationwide to guarantee a reliable water supply for all schools as classes commence on June 16.
During a Malacañang press briefing on Friday, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Administrator Jose Moises Salonga announced that a memorandum circular has been disseminated to all 532 water districts under LWUA’s oversight. This circular mandates immediate action to rectify water supply problems in their respective service areas, focusing on those impacting public and private educational institutions.
The directive further requires the leadership of each water district to submit comprehensive reports detailing the water supply situation within their jurisdiction. “This [memorandum circular] covers both private and public schools. We are now processing all of those reports,” Salonga stated. He anticipates that LWUA will complete the processing of these reports by Tuesday, enabling the presentation of findings and proposed solutions to President Marcos.
Salonga emphasized that the goal is to implement both immediate short-term interventions and more comprehensive, systemic long-term solutions to ensure sustainable water access in schools.
President Marcos’s order stems from his observations during his visit to two schools in Bulacan last Monday, where he inaugurated the annual Brigada Eskwela school cleanup. The President noted the absence of available water in the toilets of the public schools he visited in Malolos City and San Miguel town. Expressing deep concern for the health and well-being of schoolchildren, President Marcos underscored that access to clean and stable water is a fundamental necessity.
Administrator Salonga highlighted the urgency of the President’s directive, stating, “Over the past week, matindi pa sa tawag sa 8888 ang nakuha namin kasi mismong Presidente ang nag-advocate sa consumers. So we had no choice but to act forthwith,” referring to the heightened urgency compared to the Citizens’ Complaint Hotline.
LWUA is responsible for overseeing 532 water districts throughout the country, which manage and maintain water supply systems in cities and municipalities outside of Metro Manila. This concerted effort underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all Filipino students.
