By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Residents rally outside the PrimeWater office in Lucena City on June 24, calling for improved water service a...
 |
| Residents rally outside the PrimeWater office in Lucena City on June 24, calling for improved water service and greater accountability amid the province's continuing water crisis. (KA GA WAD) |
LUCENA CITY — Before dawn breaks over parts of Quezon Province, many households still wake to listen for the sound of water moving through their pipes. For families in several municipalities, a few minutes of flowing water can determine how they cook, clean and prepare for the day ahead.
Buckets remain lined up outside homes as communities adapt to irregular water service, while others rely on stored water and emergency deliveries to meet daily needs. Water shortages affecting parts of Lucena, Tayabas, Pagbilao and other municipalities now face an added challenge as forecasters warn that El Niño could bring prolonged dry conditions.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continues to monitor conditions that could bring El Niño in the coming months. Local governments across Quezon have begun preparing contingency measures as reduced rainfall could place additional pressure on already strained water sources.
Communities across the province have adopted different strategies to protect water supplies. Responses now range from legislative inquiries and legal action to emergency infrastructure, pump installations and the development of additional water sources.
Across Quezon, those daily struggles have increasingly become the focus of government action and public pressure. The issue now dominates council deliberations, community protests and emergency water projects in several municipalities.
In Lucena City, council members focused on service reliability, accountability and preparations for the possible effects of El Niño during the June 22 regular session of the 20th Sangguniang Panlungsod. The discussion centered on both immediate responses and the long-term stability of the city's water supply.
Councilor Sunshine Abcede-Llaga warned that El Niño could worsen existing shortages across the city. She cited forecasts indicating a 79 percent probability that dry conditions could persist into early 2027 and affect parts of Quezon Province.
The councilor also urged the city to examine PrimeWater's compliance with its agreement with the Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD) while strengthening contingency measures ahead of the expected dry season. She said the public deserves greater transparency as officials consider possible responses to continuing service problems.
"Ayon sa PAGASA, sa pagpasok ng Hunyo, Hulyo at Agosto ay may 79% chance na makakaranas ng El Niño ang Pilipinas at magtatagal hanggang pasimula ng 2027. Ang lalawigan ng Quezon ay makakaranas ng dry condition with expected below normal rainfall condition sa October at November, kaya dapat maging handa tayo sa mas matinding epekto nito sa ating water supply," Abcede-Llaga said.
Reports indicate that QMWD adopted a resolution seeking the pre-termination of its partnership with PrimeWater over alleged contractual breaches and consumer dissatisfaction. The review remains pending while the joint venture continues operating.
"Hindi maaaring nasa dilim ang mga mamamayan ng Lucena tungkol sa mga agreements ng QMWD at PrimeWater. We cannot be kept in the dark. We deserve to know," Abcede-Llaga said.
Councilor Benito "Baste" Brizuela Jr. shifted the discussion to the economic effects of unreliable water service on residents and businesses. He said prolonged shortages have increased costs for taxpayers while forcing many establishments to purchase alternative water supplies.
"Our micro, small and medium enterprises, our local eateries, car washes, laundromats and food processors are being choked. Pinipilit silang magbayad ng minimum monthly utility bills para sa tubig na hindi naman nila natatanggap habang sabay na gumagastos ng napakalaking halaga para bumili ng alternatibong commercial water para lamang mapanatiling bukas ang kanilang negosyo," Brizuela said.
Brizuela proposed an economic impact inquiry, a water-rationing cost audit and a compliance review of the joint venture. Council members also supported measures to strengthen the city's emergency water response.
The council debate soon drew a broader public response across the province. Members of the Water for the People Network–Quezon staged a protest outside the PrimeWater office in Lucena City on June 24, calling for the resolution of the province's longstanding water supply crisis and greater accountability from the water service provider.
The group urged residents to sign a petition seeking the termination of the Joint Venture Agreement between PrimeWater and QMWD. It said the petition would be submitted to local government units, the Local Water Utilities Administration, the National Water Resources Board, Congress and the Senate.
Residents from Cotta, Dalahican, Market View, Gulang-Gulang and other affected communities said unreliable water service has persisted for the past three to four years. Some households reported relying on wells they described as unsuitable for daily domestic use.
The Lucena discussions also prompted Gov. Angelina "Helen" Tan to clarify the limits of provincial authority over local water districts. She said municipalities served by independent water districts must pursue available legal and contractual remedies where warranted.
"Ang action dapat ng local government is to get a legal team to review the joint venture agreement na pinasok ng QMWD with PrimeWater. Meron bang mga violations? Kung ang isinisisi natin ay poor service ng PrimeWater, ano bang naging dahilan?" Tan said.
Tan said Lucena, Tayabas and Pagbilao operate under the QMWD system, while Alabat faces different operating conditions. She added that the province continues to construct water projects, deploy water trucks and develop a bulk water project in Atimonan.
The movement also spread to Tayabas City, where residents, community leaders and local officials staged a signature campaign and protest at Bandstand Freedom Park on June 24 after launching a province-wide consumer movement against PrimeWater's service in Tayabas and neighboring communities.
The petition also gained support from Quezon First District Board Member Julius Luces, one of the rally organizers. He said signatures and petition letters would be forwarded to the Local Water Utilities Administration, the National Water Resources Board and other national government offices while local officials continued pressing for stronger regulatory action.
In Pagbilao, the water issue has also triggered a public disagreement between the municipal executive and legislative branches. Mayor Angelica "Gigi" Portes defended the renewal of PrimeWater's business permit, while Vice Mayor Walter "Wally" Dapla argued that persistent consumer complaints justify closer scrutiny of the company's operations.
Portes maintained that existing laws prevented her office from withholding the permit without documented violations. Dapla countered that QMWD, as owner of the water system, could assume operations if circumstances required.
Meanwhile in Real, the municipal government installed a water pump to increase water flow from its primary river source as declining river levels reduced available supply. Construction of a deep well also continues to develop an additional water source before the expected dry season.
On Alabat Island, the municipal government distributed 100 jetmatic pump sets to barangays and public schools as supply disruptions continued to affect households, schools and government services. Officials also warned that dwindling diesel reserves at Camaya Spring could halt generator-powered pumps supplying a large portion of the municipality's water system if additional fuel is not secured.
As Quezon prepares for the possible arrival of El Niño, water security has become a shared concern across the province. From legislative inquiries and public protests to new water infrastructure, municipalities are pursuing different approaches to prevent shortages from worsening in the months ahead.
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments