By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Following his visit to public schools in Malolos and San Miguel, Bulacan as part of the Department of Education’s “Brigada Eskwela” launch on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to conduct an immediate investigation into the lack of stable water supply in public schools.
In a press briefing Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President expressed concern over the poor state of basic utilities, particularly the lack of water supply and clean bathrooms, calling attention to the impact on student welfare and school conditions.
“Ito po ay hindi simpleng aberya. Ito ay usapin ng kalinisan, ng kalusugan, at ng dignidad ng ating mga estudyante,” Castro said.
“Paano sila makakapag-aral nang maayos kung ang mismong eskwelahan ay kulang sa batayang serbisyo?”
She added that Marcos gave LWUA 48 hours to submit an initial report identifying the cause of the supply failures and the officials responsible, and outlining measures to restore services before the start of classes next week.
“Kaya’t malinaw ang direktiba ng Pangulo: Inaatasan ang Local Water Utilities Administration na agad magsagawa ng imbestigasyon,” she said.
“Sino ang may pananagutan? At paano ito maibabalik bago magbukas ang klase sa susunod na linggo?”
Created under Presidential Decree No. 198 or the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973, the LWUA is a government-owned and -controlled corporation tasked with promoting and overseeing water systems in cities and municipalities outside Metro Manila.
The Palace emphasized the urgency of the matter, reiterating that access to water and sanitation is fundamental to quality education, “Responsibilidad nating tiyakin na may maayos na pasilidad, sapat na suporta para sa mga guro at sistemang gumagana, dahil ‘yan ang pundasyon ng isang ligtas, maayos at epektibong edukasyon.”
“At sa dulo, ang layunin natin ay kapayapaan ng isip para sa bawat magulang.”
Probe into Siquijor electric coop amid power crisis ordered
Marcos also ordered a full investigation into the Siquijor Island Power Cooperative (SIPCO) amid continuing power outages in the province.
The directive comes as Siquijor grapples with a persistent energy crisis, compounded by water shortages and loss of livelihood among residents.
According to Castro, the Chief Executive has already summoned outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Acting Secretary Sharon Garin to address the situation.
The President has also instructed relevant agencies to move swiftly, “Nagbigay na rin siya ng direktiba, ang ating Pangulo, para sa isang malalim na imbestigasyon sa power provider na Siquijor Island Power Cooperative.”
“At inutos ng Pangulo ang agarang pagresolba sa matagal ng problema sa supply ng kuryente sa lalawigan.”
Short- and long-term measures are now being prepared, the Palace official added.
