The real wealth we’re wasting

Discussions about economic development in the Philippines usually center on energy, digital infrastructure, or transportation. These are all important. But there’s another system that determines whether cities thrive or struggle, yet doesn’t get enough attention precisely because it’s supposed to “just work”: water.

Water security is not only an environmental concern. It is a development issue in its purest form. When water supply is reliable and affordable, communities become healthier, economies become more productive, and growth becomes more inclusive. When it is not, progress stalls quietly but decisively.

Across many parts of the Philippines, water access remains uneven. Some areas enjoy stable, treated supply, while others face intermittent service, aging infrastructure, stressed aquifers, or complete dependence on shallow wells and water deliveries. The effects go far beyond household inconvenience. Without dependable water, hygiene suffers, disease risks increase, and schools and health facilities struggle to operate at their best. For small businesses and local industries, uncertainty in water supply limits expansion just as surely as power shortages or poor transport links.

From a development perspective, water functions as a gateway service. It enables housing, supports tourism, allows agriculture to shift toward higher-value production, and gives investors confidence that a locality is ready for growth. The simple presence of dependable water often marks the difference between an area that merely sustains itself and one that can truly expand.

Climate challenges now add another layer of urgency. More intense typhoons, longer dry seasons, shifting rainfall patterns, and saltwater intrusion are already testing the limits of existing water systems. The challenge is no longer only about adding capacity but about building resilience into supply, treatment and distribution so communities can withstand both sudden shocks and long-term stress.

This is where sustainability becomes practical. Infrastructure decisions made today will shape water access for decades. Pipelines, treatment plants, reservoirs, and bulk supply systems are long-lived assets. If they are poorly designed, underfinanced, or inadequately maintained, future generations inherit both the cost and the constraint. If they are planned well, they unlock opportunities far beyond their initial footprint.

The public sector remains central in stewarding water resources and protecting the public interest. At the same time, the scale and complexity of the water challenge today require broader collaboration. Financing, engineering, digital monitoring and operational expertise all matter. When these capabilities are aligned with strong public oversight and a clear mandate for affordability and access, outcomes can improve more quickly and more sustainably.

For the private sector, participation in water systems is about unlocking long-term shared value. Sustainable water supply empowers communities, anchors local economies, and reduces exposure to cascading operational and financial risks. These gains rarely draw attention, yet they shape the conditions for sustained economic performance.

Investing in water security is a long-term commitment to social equity and shared prosperity.  When water is accessible, safe and reliable, the foundation for enduring growth is created. Water must be a key component of planning for a future where development flows smoothly and sustainably to every community.