Press Release
March 22, 2014

Statement of Sen. Nancy Binay on World Water Day 2014

Water is an essential necessity of our lives. From aiding our bodies to function properly; generating power in hydroelectric power plants to a multitude of agricultural and industrial uses - water performs a lot of vital functions in our society.

But water remains a scarce resource. Less than 0.3% of all freshwater is estimated to be in rivers, lakes, and the atmosphere; making protecting the world's potable water supply a prime objective.

On World Water Day 2014, we encourage our kababayans and join the call to save this crucial resource from over extraction and exploitation, and from all kinds of pollution - from our homes to industry.

Many kinds of diseases are found and carried by dirty and polluted water. An estimated 6,000 Filipinos each year die prematurely from waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, which is the second leading cause of deaths in the Philippines, according to the DOH. This could be traced partly, per United Nations data, that 26 percent of our countrymen do not use improved sanitation facilities. Eight percent, meanwhile, do not have access to an improved water source - whether piped or from protected wells and springs.

While our demand for water increases every year, our water supply is a definite and fixed supply. This will present challenges and strain our resources. While the government, the academe and the private sector can formulate policies and strategies to lead to more efficient and cost effective water provision and distribution, we can do our own simple things.

Saving our water resources starts from our homes - each and every one has a key role to play. Simple things such as turning off faucets when not in use; fixing leaking pipes to using a tabo or a glass in showering and in brushing your teeth, respectively, goes a long way in conserving our limited water supply. Practicing recycling and segregating our waste, as well as cultivating the discipline of not throwing our trash in bodies of water will also help.

Water is life. Protecting and conserving our water supply is each and every one's duty and responsibility.

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