water containers crisis
Mandaluyong City residents wait in line to get water supply from fire volunteers amid the water shortage in Metro Manila in 2019. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE NATION’S capital will have “enough water” supply, at least this year, the Palace said on Tuesday citing an assurance from the Environment chief. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu made the statement during Monday evening’s Cabinet meeting. “The Environment secretary assured the President that we will have enough water for the year,” Mr. Panelo said. He added that Mr. Cimatu is on top of monitoring the Angat Dam, which provides 97% of Metro Manila’s water supply. Mr. Panelo also said that the government is already working on measures for future supply. “They already have projects regarding that,” he said. Agencies are still working on requirements for the controversial P12.2-billion Kaliwa Dam project, which was planned to break ground this year. — Gillian M. Cortez