WHILE the water crisis in Metro Manila has abated, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to receive requests to augment water supply, especially in communities affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon expressed concern over the health and economic issues that may rise due to lack of access to clean and safe water in provinces experiencing dry spell, including Catanduanes, Cebu, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sarangani, and Pangasinan.

“It is no joke not to have water. We saw it in the water crisis in Manila, where people become vulnerable to diseases. The worst may happen in provinces as livelihood opportunities are interrupted by the phenomenon,” Gordon said.

In a letter addressed to Gordon dated March 21, Virac, Catanduanes Mayor Samuel Laynes requested PRC’s support in providing water tankers, water bladders, filtration systems, and technical personnel to address the water shortage in the area.

“Local water utilities are unable to cope with water demand for household use, sanitation, and safe drinking water,” the letter reads.

Lanao Del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. also requested the use of PRC’s water tankers stationed at the Lanao del Sur-Marawi Chapter.

Data from the PAGASA show that Lanao Del Sur and Catanduanes are among the 72 provinces that will likely experience dry condition, dry spell, and drought at the end of March.

In Metro Manila, PRC continues to provide safe and clean water to communities affected by the water crisis in Metro Manila.

Since March 12, PRC has distributed 1,217,475 liters of water in hospitals and communities. The number of water tankers deployed has also doubled from six to 12.

Summary of assistance on Manila Water Crisis

Hospitals

Rizal Medical Center – 560,000L

Quirino Memorial Medical Center – 126,000 L

National Kidney Center – 90,000 L

East Ave Medical Center – 76,000 L

Mandaluyong City Medical Center – 70,000 L

Nat’l Center for Mental Health – 30,000L

Establishment

Phil. Health Office – 12,000L

Communities

Mandaluyong (Brgy. Highway Hills, Brgy. Addition Hills) – 96,000L

Quezon City (Brgy. Old Balara, Hura Homes, Forest Tree Extension, Brgy. Culiat, Brgy. Damayang Lagi) – 89,975L

Marikina (Brgy Tumana, Brgy. Nangka, Brgy Concepcion) – 70,500L