Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

The Philippines is an archipelago country in Southeast Asia that is surrounded by water. It

consists about 7, 641 islands that are broadly categorized under three principle geographical divisions
from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in the Western Pacific Ocean. The country is rich
with natural resources, including water, which are fundamental for the country’s economic growth. The
islands experienced 15-20 typhoons yearly from July to October entering the Philippine area of
responsibility in a typical year and eight or nine landfalls. Water resources of the Philippines consist of
fresh water like rivers, lakes, and groundwater. And marine, such as bay, coastal, and oceanic waters.
Overall, there is sufficient water, but not highly enough in populated areas, especially during dry season.
The islands are made out of volcanic, coral, and rock formations. The country is rich with natural
resources, including water, which are essential for the country’s economic development.

The country is probably going to face a shortage of water for sanitation, drinking, agriculture
and industrial purposes, due to the water pollution of the Philippines. The DENR said about 40,000
families living close to the bay were the main contributors to pollution. Water quality does not meet the
guidelines set by the national government, especially in urban areas. As a result, waterborne diseases
continue to be a severe public health concern in the country. Around 4,200 people die each year due to
contaminated drinking water.

The Philippines is a developing country that is also experiencing rapid urbanization and

industrialization. Out of more than one hundred million Filipinos, nine million rely on dangerous water
supplies. In reality, water pollution in the Philippines and a lack of proper sewage kills people. With the
rapid increase in population, urbanization, and industrialization decrease the quality of Philippine
waters, especially in closed populated areas and regions of industrial and agricultural activities. The
discharge of local and industrial wastewater and agricultural excess has caused more pollution of the
receiving water-bodies. This sewage is in the form of raw sewage, detergents, fertilizer, heavy metals,
chemical products, oils, and even solid waste. Each of these pollutants has a different harmful effect that
influences human livelihood and translates into economic costs.
 Filipinos are facing the COVID-19 pandemic, and millions are striving to experience this crisis.
They lack access to life’s most resources which is water. Access to safe water is critical to the health of
families, especially here in the Philippines. People can contribute in their own ways to protect their
health from the impact of scarce water resources by conserving and recycling water, making sure the
water they drink is safe, and covering water containers to protect against contamination.

Republic Act No. 9275, or also known as the “Philippine Clean Air Act of 2004”, is an act
providing for a comprehensive water quality management and for other purposes. This law approved on
March 22, 2004 by our former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

It is said that nine million Filipinos rely upon unsafe, unimproved, and unsustainable water
sources. In many parts of the country, there are still huge amounts of families that are lacking access to
clean water. This is both in rural and urban areas. Fast urban development and major industrialization
have also contributed significantly to the water crisis of the country. This has raised serious alarm to
many public society groups here in the Philippines and encouraged them to analyze the current situation
for better management of our water systems.

People must get involved in defending and protecting our water when dealing with this crisis.
We also need more sincere governmental efforts and responsibility. Our government should authorize
policies that will lead to better management and usage of our water sources. Regular monitoring of the
quality of water, studies, and research should also be prioritized. These hard works will help provide
appropriate information and the basis for our country’s water management. Laws and other policies
must also be studied and used. This should involve many social sectors and organizations, private and
government. These administrations must work together to avoid further pollutions, crisis, and most
importantly, corporate control on our water sources in the Philippines.