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House sought to improve water supply even before 2023 El Niño, says ranking solon

Philippines | National

House sought to improve water supply even before 2023 El Niño, says ranking solon

By Ellson Quismorio

(Unsplash)

The House of Representatives under Speaker Martin Romualdez began to address water supply challenges in the country back in 2022, months before the projected harsh El Niño episode had grabbed news headlines. Thus, said Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. “Even prior to the onset of the El Niño phenomenon, the Congress has allocated a significant budget of P10 billion in the 2023 GAA (General Appropriations Act) for the construction of solar-powered water supply systems across the country,” Co said. The 2023 GAA or the national budget was first deliberated upon by lawmakers back in September 2022. The House, through the appropriations committee, got first dibs on tackling the budget proposal, since it possesses the "power of the purse". According to Co, the House leadership is committed to provide solar-powered water supply system to some 40 million Filipinos in the upland barangays so they may have access to potable water. “The Speaker's commitment to being ahead of problems is evident as he gave clear instructions to prioritize extending access to potable water across the entire country,” the Bicolano said. In a few month's time, the House will begin to discuss another budget measure, this time for 2024.

Related Tags

House of Representatives water supply Martin Romualdez zaldy co El NiÃ±o

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