MALOLOS CITY, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III told his cabinet to utilize Laguna Lake to meet the growing potable water requirement of Metro Manila that is currently dependent on the 42-year old Angat Dam in Bulacan.
The plan will also address perennial irrigation shortage in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga which competes with Metro Manila for water supply.
As this developed, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said 10-day “rescue” allocation for irrigation given recently to Central Luzon farmers will be reviewed and might be extended.
Environment Secretary Ramon Paje told the “Obet P” program on DWIZ radio yesterday that President Benigno Aquino III met with him and heads of the departments of Agriculture, Public Works and Highways, and Interior and Local government on Friday night.
“President Aquino wants us to study further other sources of water especially from the Laguna Lake,” Paje said, noting that the President also wants them to continue drawing water there. - By Dino Balabo
