MANILA -- Despite the recorded rise in water level in the Angat Dam, several lawmakers urged President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to declare a state of calamity in Metro Manila to address the water crisis.

Manila Water and Sewerage System (MWSS) reported Wednesday morning that the water level rose from 157.63 to 158.20 meters, still far from the normal operating level.

Representative Maria Carmen Apsay (First District, Compostela Valley) said the declaration of a state of calamity is an option that President Aquino may take to mobilize all prerogatives available to the government to address the water crisis in some parts of Luzon.

Apsay, together with Representative Marcelino Teodoro (First District, Marikina) and Gabriela Representative Luzviminda Ilagan, also urged the government to adopt a long-term and more sustainable measure to address the water crisis. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)