After seeing first hand the lack of water supply in schools he inspected in Bulacan, President Marcos directed the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to look into the water supply issues in schools.
Marcos orders LWUA to probe water supply issues in schools
Published Jun 10, 2025 02:14 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects Barihan Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan on June 9, 2025 ahead of the opening of classes. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
Marcos gave the LWUA 48 hours to submit their initial report as he pointed out that classes will resume next week.
According to Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, what prompted the President's order was his inspection at the Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel, Bulacan and Barihan Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan where he personally saw that there was no water supply in the schools' restrooms.
Castro stressed it was not just a simple inconvenience but a serious problem.
"Ito po ay hindi simpleng aberya; ito ay usapin ng kalinisan, ng kalusugan at ng dignidad ng ating mga estudyante. Paano sila makakapag-aaral nang maayos kung ang mismong eskwelahan ay kulang sa batayang serbisyo (This is not a simple inconvenience, this is a matter of cleanliness, health, and dignity of our students. How can they study properly if the school itself lacks basic services)," Castro said.
"Kaya’t malinaw ang direktiba ng Pangulo: Inatasan ang Local Water Utilities Administration or LWUA na agad magsagawa ng imbestigasyon (The directive of the President is clear: He ordered the LWUA to immediately conduct an investigation)," Castro added.
"Sinu-sino ang may pananagutan bakit walang tubig, at paano ito maibabalik bago magbukas ng klase sa susunod na linggo? May 48 hours ang LWUA para magsumite ng inisyal na report (Who is accountable for the lack of water, and how can it be restored before classes begin next week? LWUA has 48 hours to submit an initial report)," Castro went on.
According to Castro, the President said the government is accountable not only to the students but also to every parent who relies on them.
Meanwhile, Marcos has called outgoing Energy Secretary Rafael Lotilla and acting Energy Secretary Sharon Garin for a meeting to address the situation in Siquijor.
The Chief Executive also directed them to initiate a thorough investigation on Siquijor's Island Power Cooperative to promptly resolve the lingering problem in electricity supply in the province.