Part 7/10:
Water shortages in Manila and other urban centers stem from rapid urbanization, where infrastructure fails to keep pace with population growth. The 2019 water crisis, which saw supply cuts up to 20 hours daily, exposed how demand from commercial and industrial sectors, rather than households, strains available resources. The proposed Kaliwa Dam project aimed to address water scarcity but has faced opposition from local communities and environmental advocates. The dam’s location within the Kaliwa watershed threatens fragile ecosystems and tribal lands, raising concerns over illegal deforestation and downstream flooding.