A Catholic bishop has issued a pastoral letter condemning what he described as “worsening water crisis” in the southern Luzon province of Camarines Norte.
Bishop Herman Abcede of Daet said reliable water supply has become a daily struggle, especially for the poor and marginalized.
Schools, hospitals and health centers also struggle to operate without a steady supply, according to him.
“We are faced with an ongoing and worsening water crisis,” Abcede said. “The promise of a better service is yet to be fulfilled.”
Public service advisories in recent months have frequently announced low pressure or no supply in various areas of the diocese.
The bishop, however, lamented the lack of proper explanation or long-term solutions despite years of complaints.
“We seek accountability, not blame,” he said. “When the basic needs of the people are not met, especially after public trust in the private sector has been placed, accountability becomes a moral duty.”
PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. entered into a 25-year joint venture with the Camarines Norte Water District in 2016. Amid mounting protests over poor service, the water district issued a pre-termination notice to the company in June.
Abcede asked parishes and diocesan institutions to document cases of water shortage, particularly those affecting health and education, and to promote water conservation.
He also urged temporary solutions such as rainwater collection and distribution of clean water to those most in need.
The diocese also declared Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, as a “Day of Prayer for Water Justice” “to ask for the grace of change and renewal.”
