[OPINION] From Prophecy to Reality: Baguio’s Water Crisis

May 14, 2024 | By Edu Fadirugao

A water truck delivering water to residents in Engineers Hill. (The Companion/E. Fadirugao)

In 2024, a haunting reminder from a 2016 Facebook post lingers – Baguio, dubbed as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines,” faces the looming threat of water scarcity. Officer-in-charge of Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary Mita Dimalanta cautioned that if solutions are not quickly implemented, Baguio may face a water shortage by 2025.

One year away from that deadline, the prophecy is slowly being fulfilled as the city now faces a water crisis – a repercussion for not prioritizing environmental concerns.

Dimalanta raised concerns about the Baguio Water District (BWD) having difficulties in meeting the needs of the increasing population in the city. As of 2019, there are still 8 watersheds in the city, as stated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Restoring watersheds, which is essential for maintaining long-term water supplies, continues to be overlooked. There appeared to be no discussion regarding alternative solutions such as rainwater harvesting and a temporary halt on water drilling.

Dimalanta's visionary message resonates with a renewed sense of importance. The water problems in the city are a complex collection of issues. In January 2024, the BWD called for water conservation for the El Niño. In April, BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador Royeca said that the water supply in Baguio is threatened due to decreasing reservoir levels, as reported by GMA News. The lack of attention to such problems has compromised Baguio's water security.

BWD's responsibilities have increased along with the city's population, but essential investments in infrastructure have yet to match this growth. At the same time, the watersheds, which are essential sources for the city's water system, have been disregarded. In 2022, residents from Pinget were instructed not to get water from the Buyog Watershed Forest. Restricting residents from their water needs is dehumanizing, especially in times of drought. Replenishing water sources through reforestation efforts and responsible land management practices appears to have not been enough.

There is a resounding silence regarding alternative options such as rainwater harvesting and a halt on water drilling. Previously overlooked choices, now missed chances, could have been used to vary water sources and reduce unsustainable actions. It is hard to accept the consequences of not planning ahead and taking proactive steps, particularly when there are easily accessible solutions.

According to a post from BWD on their website, the extended period of dry weather caused by El Niño has put pressure on the city's underground water sources, leading them to once again promote water conservation measures until the water table is refilled by rainfall. Residents are expected to significantly cut back on their water usage for daily activities.

It has been demonstrated that disregarding the warnings would worsen the problem and would lead the government to find long-term solutions. Increasing the amount of water available through initiatives like collecting rainwater and partnering with neighboring water districts might provide security in the upcoming El Niño for the next few years.

The approaching year 2025 weighs heavily on Baguio, creating a deadline to implement corrective actions. The City of Baguio serves as a warning— a microcosm of the water crisis endangering different areas in the Philippines. The results of inaction are now not just in stories, but in real-life experiences. The lesson from Baguio’s story is very clear: heed warnings, move swiftly, and value water for what it is. Acquiring knowledge from past mistakes is essential to solving the water crisis in the future.

The opinion and views expressed by the writer are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of The Companion.