By Vhioly Rosatazo & Roel Arizala
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The water level at Angat Dam on Tuesday was nearing its lowest level ever recorded, approaching the historic low logged in 2010.
Based on records from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the water level at the dam stood at 158.17 meters as of 11:00 a.m. yesterday.
The reading is only 0.61 meters higher than the dam’s lowest recorded level of 157.56 meters, which was registered on July 18, 2010.
Angat Dam is the primary source of raw water for Metro Manila. When its water level falls below the critical mark of 160 meters, rotational water service interruptions are implemented in Metro Manila—as experienced in 2010 and 2019. Irrigation water for rice fields in Bulacan and parts of Pampanga is also suspended, while the dam’s contribution to hydroelectric power generation for the Luzon Grid is significantly reduced.
As the water level continues to decline below the critical threshold, environmental groups have expressed concern over the need to restore forest cover in portions of the Angat and Ipo watersheds, which serve as the dam’s main water catchment areas.
Bro. Martin Francisco, chairperson of the Sagip Sierra Madre Ecclesial Community Association Inc. (SSMECAI), called for increased funding for government agencies tasked with enforcing forest protection laws to help safeguard forests and water resources.
He also urged the immediate implementation of the law requiring the installation of rainwater harvesting facilities in all government buildings.
Meanwhile, David D’Angelo, national chairman of the Green Party of the Philippines, called on the government to immediately halt environmentally destructive activities, including tree cutting, destructive mining, and renewable energy projects that damage the environment.
He likewise stressed the need to protect and restore watersheds through aggressive reforestation using native tree species, as well as the strict conservation of forests, wetlands, mangroves, and river systems.
D’Angelo added that integrated river basin and watershed management should be implemented based on sound science, climate resilience, and the active participation of local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
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