AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee on Monday called for the passage of a measure seeking to establish a nationwide potable water supply system throughout the country in three years to address the need of millions of Filipinos, especially in rural areas.

In pushing for House Bill (HB) 10531 or the “Rural Potable Water Supply Act”, Lee cited data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which showed that at least 40 million Filipinos lack access to clean and safe water supply.

“Nakakabahala ang datos ng DENR. Access to potable water is a basic human right, kaya napakalaking kasalanan sa taumbayan kung ito pa ang maglalagay sa kanilang buhay sa peligro dahil sa kawalan o kontaminadong supply (it is a grave injustice to the people if the lack of water, or contaminated water, will endanger their lives),” he said in a news release.

He said the lack of access to clean water could also lead to illness, causing loss of income, and even indebtedness, especially among the poor.

Under HB 10531, the construction of potable water supply system will be led by the National Water Resources Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, DENR, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The program shall prioritize areas with social and health problems due to waterborne diseases.

The proposed measure outlines program guidelines, which include equitable distribution in provinces and municipalities, participation of local government units, and the management and maintenance of the potable water supply system that will be built.

Once enacted into law, an initial appropriation of PHP500 million will be provided for the implementation of the Act, with subsequent allocations to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act until the program is completed

Lee said HB 10531 aligns with the earlier order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the DENR to come up with concrete solutions to provide sufficient water supply to the millions of Filipinos who still have no access to fresh water.

President Marcos has also ordered the proper use and disposal of rainwater by making it a clean and potable water source.

“The Filipinos deserve better, so we should demand better water supply system that would cater to every community in the country. Gamitin natin ang pondo ng gobyerno sa mga makabuluhang proyekto tulad ng pagtatayo ng mga pasilidad na mag-su-supply ng ligtas na inumin sa ating mga kababayan (Government funds should be used in meaningful projects like the establishment of safe water supply facilities for the people),” Lee said.

“Winner tayo lahat kapag may access ang bawat pamilya sa ligtas at malinis na tubig, sa sapat, masustansya at murang pagkain, at kung hindi tayo nangangamba na mawalan ng kabuhayan at kita dahil sa pagkakasakit (Everybody wins if each family has access to safe and clean water, nutritious and cheap food, and do not have to worry over losing their livelihoods due to illness),” he said. (PNA)