Philippine Senator Blames Deforestation For Water Shortage

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Sen. Loren Legarda, known for her strong advocacy of reforestation, has blamed neglect of forests and watersheds for the current shortage of water in Luzon, including Metro Manila. Legarda, who is running for vice president under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) banner, urged the government to intensify its reforestation activities to improve forest covers and watersheds that conserve water and prevent soil erosion.

"It is the failure of our national government to protect forests and preserve watersheds that is the primary cause of the water shortage now facing millions of residents of Metro Manila and depriving farmers in central and southern Luzon of irrigation water," said Legarda.

She also charged that the present administration had failed to control illegal logging and to plant new trees, thus denuding forest reserves and watersheds. "This has caused our recurrent water shortage during the summer months, while at the same time resulting in floods and landslides during the rainy season like that which occurred in sounthern Leyte, killing hundreds of people and destroying property worth millions of pesos.

Legarda made the observation after learning that the water elevation at Angat Dam has dipped 198.34 meters, a trend indicating a drop of 12 inches daily during the last few days. Once the level hits 180 meters, dam authorities said that the water for irrigation will have to be completely cut. They also warned that water rationing may have to be imposed in Metro Manila should the water level in the dam hit a critical level."

EDIT

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20040125664.html