Deforestation, Dying Rivers Leading to Water Wars

Nov 25, 2020 | Michael A. Bengwayan
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An eerie calm exists over the villages of Fedelisan, Sagada and Dalican of Bontoc of Mountain Province, Philippines. It is because, there is no telling how many killings will again turn the pristine waters red. Not too long ago, ten people died and scores injured in prolonged tribal war over water.

Water has become a major bone of contention not only in villages but also nationwide. Water-related conflicts have been increasing lately. The Philippine National Police (PNP) in four regions covering 56 provinces, identified 34 areas last year where shooting and killing erupted due to conflicts on water rights, boundaries, use and sharing.

In urban areas, it may not be long before the problem of diminishing water resource goes uncontrolled towards social unrest. Per capita demands are increasing and per capita water availability is declining due to population growth and trends in economic development.

The country’s capital Manila is the most vulnerable to water scarcity, so are the major cities Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Olongapo, Angeles. Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian and Davao city; the Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS) said. These cities are currently experiencing severe water shortages.