The article talks about the threat of water shortage in the Philippines to the sustainable

development and health. According to Dr. Gundo Weiler, WHO representative of the Philippines in 2016,
that there are still Filipinos that who are left behind in terms of access to improved water resources even
that water is the extremely resources that a person needs. The article highlights the importance of the
drinkable water, it is stated here that in 2016, over 139 000 of people lives were lost because of acute
watery diarrhea. It is one of the top ten causes of death in the country back in 2016 and given that El Niño
and climate change are plaguing the nation and raising temperatures that are drying up our water supplies,
things could become worse. The unpredictability of water access, even in the nation's capital, is further
highlighted by the recent water deficit in Metro Manila. The article also tackles that when water resources
is limited, the people will rely or consume a drinking water that is not safe, in addition, because of water
shortage the people might not have enough water for basic hygiene, such as washing their clothes and
cleaning their body, or for preventing infections from water-and food-borne illnesses. The limited supply
will also force or obliges people to store more water and if not handled properly, this will provide more
opportunity for mosquitoes to breed and consequently increase the cases of mosquito-borne diseases, such
as dengue fever.

As the upper part of the article discussed some detailed problems of water shortage, the article
also provides in the later part some solutions, Engr. Bonifacio Magtibay said that the community can
contribute to protect their health from the impact of scarce water resources by recycling and conserving,
ensuring the water they drink is safe and covering water containers to keep contaminants and vectors out.
The article also highlighted that the Governments still have a duty to provide people with long-term,
dependable sources of safe drinking water. As things stand, an excessive dependence on groundwater and
surface water sources like rivers and lakes won't be sustainable in the long run because of the realities of
climate change and rising population water demands. In the article Engr. Magtibay also explained that the
Philippines can employ techniques like modern desalination technology combined with renewable energy
sources and enhanced rainwater gathering systems, he also added that the country can secure water for all,
safeguard public health, and promote sustainable development by embracing creative and long-term
solutions.

In order to ensure that everyone has access to safe water, the World Health Organization is
collaborating with the Department of Health in the Philippines and other sector agencies to develop and
implement plans for water safety, strengthen systems and capacity for monitoring and surveillance of
drinking water quality, and enhance the quality of water, sanitation, and hygiene in medical facilities.

REFERENCE:
https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/water-shortage-in-the-philippines-threatens-
sustainable-development-and-health