Philippine businesses have committed to help sustain water resources and to counter the effects of climate change with the expected increase in the demand for water.

They have pledged to support government efforts to define the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, in preparation for the country’s comprehensive climate change agenda for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change talks in December in Paris, France.

On October 23, business groups in the country launched the partnership among CEOs called Water Alliance, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

It is a step the business sector is taking to address the water component of the 2015 Manila Declaration and was signed by seven business groups – Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, Federation of Philippine Industries, and Financial Executives of the Philippines.

The Philippines may have an abundance of water sources, having 20 major river basins, 421 principal river basins, 79 lakes as well as extensive groundwater reservoir.

Despite these water resources, supply may not be enough in the country, Edgar O. Chua, PBE Chairman and the CEO of Pilipinas Shell, said.

In a report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2010, it was predicted that the Philippines’ 17 river basins will experience shortage by 2025. “These river basins are located in areas where growth is expected in terms of economic and population growth,” Chua said.

Data from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development said the world needs 30-percent more water, 50-percent more food, and 40-percent more energy in 2030.

UN Environment Program said nearly one-third of the world’s population will face scarcity. At the same time, there is an increase in water withdrawals, which in turn poses risk to potable water sources.

The Philippines is withdrawing more than double the average water withdrawal rate per person. Scarcity is actually being experienced in many parts of the country now.

For his part, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said only 50 percent of the population has access to reliable service of water or even much lower than 30 percent of the population with direct access to water and sanitation.

He said the reasons for inadequate water supply services include low levels of investment, poverty-linked to an inability to afford service, and policy, regulatory and financing barriers.

Also, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the country due to climate change also aggravating the situation.

Moreover, business community is a heavy user of water specifically in agriculture, manufacturing and energy sectors.

“As water stress is expected to worsen, business has a critical stake in helping address this water security challenge,” Chua said.

Source: Manila Bulletin