What's On & Expat - Philippines

STEPHEN IRLE
American
Assistant Supervisor
La Salle Bank


            I would be more careful on how long I run the shower or faucet. I will also remind the people at home to not run the shower and faucet too. Those things will contribute to the water shortage and make it worse. When I shower tomorrow morning I’ll just rinse myself then turn the water off, scrub myself then turn the water back on. Little things like that would help. Also, in America, we have lawns and people water them but I don’t see much of that here so I don’t see that as a big problem.
 

ELIZABETH GUINTO
Filipino
Bank Officer


        The situation must have been addressed ahead of time, not just acting now when the effects of the dry spells are evident. There should be a contingency plan. Water is a basic need. What we can do, as end users, is primarily to conserve water. Everybody, especially the government, must act immediately before the situation further worsens.

DAN SUBIDO
Filipino
Lawyer

                  Growing up in Parañaque City where there was no water supply from water utility companies, relying on water pumps, overhead tanks and water deliveries became a way of life. As such, water conservation was instilled on us at an early age. In this looming water crisis nationwide, Filipinos must do their part in consciously conserving water
 

GEORGE HACKETT
American
CEO
Windshear International Philippines Inc.

   We have already started to ration water in gallons. Luckily though we haven’t noticed any water shortage in our area. Also, we have to be careful in the household. Maids usually tend to let the water run so we have to remind them to turn it off when not in use so it is not wasted. And the kids like to take Hollywood showers so you have to tell them, “You can’t take really long showers.” Little things like that would help

ADNAN BAŞAĞA
Turkish
Ambassador of the
Republic of Turkey to the Philippines


              I don’t know the technicalities of this but I have read in the newspapers that there is a water shortage. In Turkey, there has been an ongoing debate for the past 15 years regarding the issue of good water management. This could be an indicator or a push for the Philippines. Something has to be done on two levels: the government and the individual. How does one manage water? It is simple to do that. If it is not needed, do not use it. And try to consume only what is needed. I also know that several programs and intergovernmental working bodies show people how to lower water consumption. If people will listen to them carefully, everybody can do a lot in this sense. Good management of water is the key. The government and the people should be aware of this problem. What we are lacking today is the awareness that the country’s water sources will not be able to feed us if we keep wasting it
 

VENANCIO GUTIERREZ
Filipino
Executive Vice President
Fiesta Greetings Inc.

What remedy can be done? It is already too late. Actions taken now would prepare us in the future years. We can’t do much at the moment. The only thing we can do is to ration what we have.