Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has cited the importance of advancing efforts to provide clean drinking water supply and sanitation for Filipinos, especially in remote areas of the country. 

Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go delivers his speech at the 45th National Convention of the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) held at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. (Photo by O/S Sen. Bong Go).

Go pointed this out during the Philippine Association of Water Districts’ (PAWD) National Convention held recently at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

During the event, the senator lauded PAWD for being instrumental in pushing for better water sanitation practices, a move that aligns with the ambitious goals of the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan. 

This national action plan calls for a universal access to safe, sufficient, affordable, and sustainable water supply, hygiene, and sanitation by 2030. 

“Recognizing your invaluable contributions and the challenges that your sector faces, I want you to know that I remain committed to supporting local water districts as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, we have supported the funding of more than 140 water system projects all over the country,” Go said in his speech.

At the same time, the senator aired his support to the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) in its mission to develop local water districts into “self-sustaining institutions through financial, technical, and institutional development and regulatory services.”

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also highlighted the importance of providing access to safe water as it is one of the most effective instruments in promoting health and reducing poverty. 

The lawmaker echoed the World Health Organization (WHO) view that water safety and quality are fundamental to human development and well-being. 

“As chairman of the Committee on Health and Sports in the Senate, it is very important that the access to safe water, sanitation and health are all inter-connected,” he said.

“Drinking dirty or unsafe water can lead to infections and diseases. Kaya malaki po ang parte ninyo para masiguro natin na ligtas at malinis ang tubig na ating ginagamit at iniinom (That’s why your part is very important to ensure that our drinking water is safe and clean),” he cited further.

“Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino (Let us remember that health is equivalent to a life of a Filipino),” the senator emphasized.

Go also pointed out that the entire water supply chain from source to land distribution and taps is critical to address any mismatch between water demand and supply. 

“We also acknowledge the water supply and sanitation infrastructure, especially in coastal communities, is susceptible to the destructive impacts of disasters,” he said.

Ensure access to water supply during El Niño

At the same time, Go called on all water authorities to ensure there is sufficient supply of water even during the El Niño season.

“Due to climate change and we are near the Pacific Ring of Fire, we are prone to disasters. That’s why this year, we expect the intense effect of El Niño. 

“Alam n’yo naman po ngayon due to climate change and nandirito po tayo sa Pacific Ring of Fire, prone po tayo sa mga disasters. Kaya nga po ngayong taong ito, inaasahan naman natin ang matinding epekto naman po ng El Niño,” he stressed.

Likewise, Go said the government should be adequately prepared to alleviate the damage El Niño will cause, especially to the country’s farmers.

“We must continue to ensure that the water supply will be able to cater to the demands of our communities. Our mission is the same – protecting the health of the Filipino people,” he urged.