With the water level in Angat Dam still below optimum level, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other concerned agencies along with the private sector banded together to promote water consumption.

Data from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) showed Angat Dam, which is the primary source of water in Metro Manila, is currently at 188.6 meters — 23.4 meters lower than the expected 212 meters elevation by the end of the year.

According to NWRB executive director Dr. Sevillo David, there are more than 15 million people who source their water from Angat Dam, and this number continues to grow each year.

This prompted the MMDA, together with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), NWRB and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and water concessionaires Manila Water Company and Maynilad to launch “Oplan Tubig Para sa Kinabukasan” in a bid to promote responsible use of water.

The project seeks to encourage the public to be informed of the current water situation, to be prepared in case of a water shortage, and to be involved in using water conscientiously.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said, “We all need water to live and we can all do something to ensure that we continuously enjoy this precious resource even in our own little ways.’’

He stressed water is very vital and every drop must not go to waste. He also said that water plays an important role, most especially during times of disaster.

“We use water daily and we use it more when a natural disaster hits us. The demand for potable water increases in areas where calamities strike,” Lim expressed.

Victims of calamities often ask for water as its supply is either always lacking or completely cut off.

Thus, Lim emphasizes the need to work closer together in the campaign to save water, especially with the current situation, and the need to reach as many Filipinos in order to educate them on how help can be given from the demand side.

The MMDA chief said the agency will actively push for the participation of the local governments (LGU) in Metro Manila.

Each of the Metro Manila LGU also has its own advocacy videos to show its constituents its commitment for responsible water usage.

MWSS administrator Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat encourages the public to be responsible in using water and to prepare especially for the dry season.

“We have limited water supply and it will take years for us to have new water sources,” Salamat said.

With the DILG’s participation in the campaign, “Oplan Tubig Para sa Kinabukasan” will hopefully get its message across the different cities and municipalities.

“We hope that with this campaign, individuals and communities will be inspired and encouraged to use water responsibly and to abide by the water-related initiatives set by their respective LGU,” said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.