THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is banking on an integrated water security program in a bid to further boost development in the province.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who spoke at the launching of the Provincial Integrated Water Security Program at the Capitol's Social Hall in Bacolod City Tuesday, June 8, aid no time was wasted to address the crucial need for water security in the province.
Lacson recalled that the program was an offshoot of the Memorandum of Agreement signing in 2020 and the "pause and reflect" session earlier this year.
"Today's program is a significant step towards a serious, science and evidence-based approach as well as in-depth water governance for a more inclusive and sustainable development in the province," he added.
The Provincial Integrated Water Security Program is in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) Philippines through its Safe Water Program and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The program aims to further increase access to resilient water supply, improve water resource management, and strengthen water sector governance in the province.
Lacson underscored that 2.2 billion people globally have no access to safe water at home. In the Philippines, nearly five million rely on unsafe water sources.
In the province, he said, 25 percent of the three million Negrenses have no access to water supply while 18 percent have no access to sanitation services.
"With these figures, it is a pity to know that while the entire world has made leaps in terms of modernization and technology, a very basic need such as water remains a privilege for some," he added.
The governor also stressed the need for skillful and educated collaborations "if we are to real, effective, powerful and sustainable solutions."
Lacson said that although the government has the primary obligation to address this concern, all other sectors and stakeholders must be enjoined.
"In matters of transcendental importance, there can be no monopoly of ideas," he added.