Hanoi (VNA) – Secretary of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Juan Miguel Cuna said on March 19 that the country is at risk of “water bankruptcy” as demand continues to outpace natural replenishment.
As reported by the Philippine News Agency, in a press briefing during the 2026 World Water Day event in Manila, Cuna highlighted the call to conserve water as the government ramps up efforts to address water gaps.
“We are meeting this challenge with science and a clear tactical roadmap. Today, we are sharing with you what we have done, the results of our 485 million PHP (8.07 million USD) investment, which is set to benefit over 440,000 individuals by the end of 2026,” he was quoted by the news agency as saying.
Meanwhile, DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David underscored the department’s programmes to bring potable water to the country's remote provinces, targeting 250 small islands where drinking water is scarce.
He noted that the 405,000 Filipinos who have already been served or targeted by current projects account only 1% of the 40 million people who still lack adequate access to safe water.
The department estimates that 200 billion PHP is needed to fully address water scarcity nationwide./.
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