A Roman Catholic bishop has sounded the alarm over what he described as a “worsening water crisis” in Camarines Norte, saying the persistent lack of reliable water supply has become a daily burden for residents, especially the poor.

Bishop Herman Abcede of the Diocese of Daet issued a pastoral letter condemning the state of water services in the province, warning that schools, hospitals, and health centers are also struggling to operate without a steady supply.

“We are faced with an ongoing and worsening water crisis,” he said. 

“The promise of a better service is yet to be fulfilled.”

For months, advisories have warned of low pressure or no water in many areas, yet Abcede said residents still get no clear answers or lasting solutions after years of complaints.

“We seek accountability, not blame,” the bishop stressed. 

“When the basic needs of the people are not met, especially after public trust in the private sector has been placed, accountability becomes a moral duty,” he added.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, CBCP News reported that water service in Camarines Norte has been under scrutiny since 2016, when PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. entered into a 25-year joint venture with the Camarines Norte Water District.

It added that mounting protests over poor service led the water district to issue a pre-termination notice to PrimeWater in June.

Abcede called on parishes and diocesan institutions to document cases of water shortage, particularly those affecting education and health, while also promoting conservation. 

He urged communities to explore temporary solutions such as rainwater collection and distributing clean water to those most in need.

The diocese also declared Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, as a “Day of Prayer for Water Justice” to rally spiritual support for concrete change.

The observance, Abcede said, aims “to ask for the grace of change and renewal.”