Quezon City--- In response to President Arroyo's Instruction, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) will immediately mobilize its resources to develop potable water supply systems in the remaining forty (40) waterless towns of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Board Chairman Prospero A. Pichay. Jr. said.

Pichay made the announcement in a press briefing recently upon his arrival from Lubao, Pampanga where he accompanied the President in the groundbreaking ceremonies for a P6.7 million water supply improvement project to provide water to an additional 1,800 residents of the coastal barangay of San Jose Gumi.

Earlier, he was also with the President in Ganassi, Lanao del Sur wherein the Chief Executive issued the instruction for LWUA to set up water supply systems in the remaining 40 towns of the ARMM that are still without a modern water system. President Arroyo also allotted P20 million for the setting up by LWUA of modern water system for the 6th class municipality of Ganassi.

"The goal is to provide clean water in every waterless town," the President stressed as she instructed LWUA to conduct a comprehensive plan.

Out of the 116 towns in the ARMM, more or less 70 have already been provided with clean water source and supply.

Regardless of whether LWUA will provide a complicated or a simpler water system, these 40 waterless towns in the ARMM should be able to enjoy potable water, Pichay quoted the President as saying.

The President has noted that the ARMM has abundant water sources such as Lanao Lake and the numerous springs which could be tapped for potable water supply.
November 12, 2009