Philippines: Bishop laments worsening water crisis, calls for accountability

As residents continue to struggle with daily shortages of clean and safe water, Bishop Herman Guinto Abcede of the Diocese of Daet, in the Philippines, decried the worsening mismanagement of the province’s supply and urged the private water company, local government officials, and concerned agencies to take responsibility.

In a September 7 pastoral letter written in Filipino, he said PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. (PrimeWater) has failed to live up to its commitment to ensure an efficient water supply for the people of Camarines Norte.

“But many towns continue to face unreliable and inadequate water service, with some areas receiving little to none,” Abcede said. “Schools have been forced to adjust class schedules, while hospitals and health centers struggle with daily operations. The poor and the elderly remain the hardest hit by the water shortage.”

The prelate stated that the Church is deeply concerned, as many communities have been enduring poor water supply for several months, and in some cases, nearly a year, without clear explanation, accountability, or concrete solutions.

As bishop, Abcede echoed the cry of residents and respectfully but firmly urged PrimeWater, local government officials, and concerned agencies to:

• Acknowledge the ongoing water supply crisis and present a clear schedule of measures to address it.
   

• Exercise honesty and accountability in dealing with the shortage, including financial obligations and service plans;
   

• Hold genuine consultations with affected communities and sectors, among them barangay leaders, civic organizations, and the Church; and
   

• Reassess the contract and its implementation with the water firm, guided by the welfare of the people and the preferential option for the poor.
   

The Church is not out to assign blame, Abcede said, but it is calling for accountability. When a basic human need, such as water, is not provided, especially after it was entrusted to the private sector, accountability becomes a moral obligation.

Water is God-given and a basic human right. It must not be reduced to a mere commodity for profit, especially when access remains unjust and unequal, he stressed.

“I assure you, my brothers and sisters, of my solidarity in this time of difficulty,” Bishop Abcede declared. “The Church accompanies you on your journey. Despite the challenges, let us not lose hope.”