Water is an indispensable resource, fundamental to the survival and prosperity of the Philippines. Water systems in particular are crucial, apart from ensuring access to clean drinking water, these also serve indispensable roles in agriculture, industry, sanitation, and overall public health.
Despite their importance, these systems have faced decades of neglect since the time of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., resulting in severe consequences for millions of Filipinos. What can and should be done? Let's discuss.
The Lifeline
The significance of robust water systems in the Philippines cannot be overstated. They underpin the country’s food security by irrigating farmlands, supporting economic activities by providing water for industrial processes, and safeguarding public health by ensuring the availability of potable water and proper sanitation. Now more than ever, as the food security crisis looms large, we need to face the music and admit this is one of our most pressing problems.
Moreover, with the Philippines being highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change, efficient water management is essential for disaster preparedness and resilience. Just a few weeks ago, National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Administrator Eddie Guillen revealed that President Marcos Jr. intends to "shift from [building] flood control projects to water management [projects]". The statement could have been constructed better, and the direction could be concerning. Both are actually important, and are connected. And while the president's dam projects are ambitious, time will tell if he can live up to his father's shadow in the discussion of water systems.
Post-Marcos Landscape
Ferdinand Marcos Sr. ruled the country from 1965 to 1986, a period marked by grand infrastructure projects that benefit the nation to this day. While his administration did launch some significant water-related projects, such as the creation of Angat, Magat, La Mesa and Pantabangan dams, as well as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), many initiatives failed to blossom beyond his reign.
The truth is, the post-Marcos years did not bring adequate reforms or enough new infrastructure to address the country's water needs. In Luzon alone, whatever inroads Marcos Sr. made, have been left far in the rear-view by the rapid urbanization and population boom experienced by the capital region and surrounding provinces.
Even more harrowing is the situation of our farmers year-round, with both wet and dry seasons presenting both familiar and unfamiliar challenges. Despite the landmark Rice Tariffication Law of the Duterte administration providing an encouraging policy framework, the sector continues to find itself in deep trouble. And as that very law faces reform, many look back at what could have been, had post-Marcos Sr. administrations focused on farmers more.
Now with no less than Marcos Jr. leading the country, the father's legacy of water systems haunts the present administration, challenging its investment commitments and resolve to fix our pressing water problems.
Flood Control versus Water Systems
Going back to the president’s plan for water, the approach to flood control versus water systems involves a multifaceted strategy that addresses the country's unique environmental and infrastructural challenges. Flood control is primarily driven by the need to manage the frequent and severe flooding caused by typhoons, monsoon rains, and storm surges. The infrastructure in question includes dams, floodwalls, retention basins, and drainage networks.
Non-structural measures also play a vital role, including improved land use planning, reforestation of upstream areas, and community-based early warning systems to enhance preparedness and response.
Simultaneously, the development and maintenance of water systems should ensure a reliable supply of potable water and irrigation networks. However, here's the deal, previous administrations opted for flood control because it was more necessary, but what has it cost us? It cost us the funding of the concerned agencies going into [mainly] flood control rather than robust investments that directly or closer affect our farmers and agricultural sector.
Hopefully, the president’s dam projects work in aid of long term solutions and address the country’s water needs.
The New Agriculture Chief’s plans
In addition, the Department of Agriculture with Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel at the helm, also unveiled its plan last January to expand production areas in both land and water.
“Our goal is to modernize Philippine agriculture to spread benefits across the entire value chain. Farmers and fisherfolk should get fair value for their produce, prices of goods should be affordable, while traders, processors and retailers should be able to generate reasonable profits. It’s important to address the decades old inequity where farmers and fishers do not really benefit from the fruits of their labor. We also envision to make farming and fisheries viable for investors and a career option for young Filipinos,” said the Secretary.
A Fountain of Problems
The challenges facing the nation's water infrastructure are multifaceted and deeply rooted. Historical underinvestment, mismanagement, and corruption have left government efforts fragmented and inefficient. Poor urban planning further strains already inadequate infrastructure, while the impacts of climate change exacerbate supply and distribution issues.
Who suffers the most because of these inadequacy in water infrastructure? Our farmers! Production costs remain high, and the cost of agricultural products remain high. The sector continues to export local produce, while our aging farmers barely make ends meet, and consumers have to bear the prices of imported goods day-to-day. These are the social and economic detriments caused by the lack of investment in water systems over the decades.
Furthermore, the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL) has posed some new challenges to our farmers. Enacted in 2019, the RTL replaced quantitative restrictions on rice imports with tariffs, allowing more rice imports into the country. While this has established a framework that supports mechanization, research, and other necessary improvements in the sector, it has negatively impacted local farmers by significantly reducing farmgate prices. The drop in prices has led to substantial financial losses for farmers, many of whom are contemplating leaving rice farming or selling their lands.
The RTL has highlighted the need for better support mechanisms for our farmers, such as increased subsidies, credit access, and technological assistance, to enhance their competitiveness and productivity?. Moreover, the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act” going through the legislative hurdles looks to tighten the grip on smugglers who took advantage of the RTL, so that’s some good news.
Politics in the Water
Given these critical challenges, there is an urgent need to revive and modernize our existing water systems, not just create new ones.
No less than the president's older sister, Senator Imee Marcos, said during a recent interview:
"The figures tell the story that there's been very little agricultural investment. We have failed to invest and that is the reason our farmers are now utterly uncompetitive. So kawawa talaga, we have not done right by them."
"Kailangan natin ang mga small water impounding, irrigation ngayong pa lang, uulan ng konti at least nakakapag-ipon tayo ng tubig", she also added.
Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, has been sounding the alarm on farmers’ plight, and has been stressing on more cost-efficient ways to approach the country’s agricultural problems. To her, short-term measures must complement the ambitious long-term projects, as our farmers are suffering now, and need the support urgently.
When it comes to water, it seems the Marcos daughter is the one holding the father's playbook. In these two years of a new Marcos rule, it has been Imee who has kept a closer ear to the ground, than her brother who helmed the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 17 months, to the dismay of many.
Will the president listen to his sister? Or will her advice fall on deaf ears?
The Revival
Addressing these issues that plague our water systems requires comprehensive reforms, significant investments, and a collaborative approach that involves both the government and local communities. The last of which being of utmost importance, with new DA chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. tasked to revive not only his agency's governance, but people's confidence in this administration.
By making good on investment promises, focusing on sustainable practices that conserve our dwindling water supply, and embracing innovative solutions under the spell of climate change, the country can secure its water future and ensure that this vital resource is available for all Filipinos.
The neglect of water systems since the first Marcos era has led the country to its current agricultural doldrums. We look to the years ahead, hoping this new administration commits to solid reforms and adequate investments. By learning from past mistakes and adopting a proactive approach, hopefully our nation can overcome its water problems - old and new. Because after all, water is life, right?
