Marcos to dam operators: Maximize facilities for renewable energy, water supply

MONTALBAN, Rizal — President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on dam operators to maximize their facilities to provide sufficient water as well as to generate renewable energy.

In his speech during the impounding process ceremony at the Upper Wawa Dam here, Marcos wants dam operators to take part and partner with the government in achieving a more sustainable and energy-efficient country.

“I also call on our stakeholders, particularly those operating other dams nationwide, to maximize the use of your facilities by integrating other uses for the captured water, such as for the generation of renewable energy,” Marcos said.

“Let us work together in this endeavor to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for our nation,” he added.

Marcos further emphasized the need for more multi-purpose dams to address the rising demand for water.

“We need to build more multi-purpose dams to ensure water supply not only for drinking but also for irrigation, power generation, flood control, aquaculture, and hopefully other technologies that we may engage in the future,” he said.

The P26.5-billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) venture undertaken by the government with Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. and San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group is slated to be fully operational in December 2025.

Once completed, this would increase water supply within the service area of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) from 80 million liters per day (MLD) to 438.

This may increase up to 710 MLD in the following years, including the 80 MLD from the Tayabasan Weir, according to the President.

“These 438 to 710 million liters per day translate to supporting the water supply needs of about 2.2 to 3.5 million Filipinos in the MWSS service area,” Marcos said.

The other project components underway include the construction of pump station, access tunnel, and conveyance pipeline. According to the MWSS, these components are 69.68 percent accomplished as of May 31, 2024. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News