Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda on Monday, October 16 underscored the need to protect the country’s water supply in the face of the continuing threat of climate change.

“We live in the constant threat of water security — an increasing population count, urbanization, and climate change affect our potable water supply — and without access to it, our food will be affected as well,” Legarda said in a statement.

“That is why we need to mitigate water spoilage by keeping our bodies of fresh water clean; clean rivers and lakes lead to a healthier ecosystem that, in turn, will provide more sustenance to even the average Filipino,” she stressed.

At the same time, Legarda renewed her push for community and state initiatives to help minimize the risk of the country's water resources from running dry.

The four-term senator has suggested conservation methods such as reusing wastewater for irrigation, rehabilitation of watersheds through reforestation, and the protection of remaining mangrove soils.

Legarda has also called for a more prudent water usage and, if possible, rectifying sanitation issues that might spoil water supplies.

Recently, the veteran lawmaker recently pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1993, otherwise known as the proposed Blue Economy Act, saying that a maritime nation such as the Philippines must have a law protecting coastal and maritime resources.

“The Blue Economy, simply put, embodies the sustainable utilization of oceanic resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the health of our ocean ecosystems,” she said during her privilege speech on the bill.

“It embodies our commitment to conserve, protect, and prosper in harmony with our marine environments,” she stressed.