Philippine Agriculture Chief Seriously Worried By Water Shortages

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BAGUIO -- "Agriculture Sec. Luis Lorenzo is alarmed over the reported continuous depletion of the water supply in Angat and other dams mostly located in northern Luzon, saying these may cause havoc to the agriculture sector. As such, Lorenzo rallied farmers in the country to start impounding rainwater. Lorenzo said the reported depletion of the water supply would be a big blow to the agriculture sector, the main source of livelihood of majority of the Filipinos.

Agriculture Sectoral Alliance of the Philippines (Asap) chairman Nicanor Briones said the depletion of water supply would mean no water for irrigation.

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As this developed, Environment Sec. Elizea Guzon blamed the rapid depletion of freshwater resources to the reckless destruction of the country's remaining forest cover. Gozun earlier said about 20 million Filipinos do not have access to clean water and sanitation due to "lack of forest cover and failed watershed conservation efforts", which account for lower water basins as well as siltation and sedimentation that lead to flooding.

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