Old Angat Dam posing danger to Bulakeños

ANGAT DAM is Metro Manila’s principal source of drinking water. The two big concessionaires handling the distribution of water in Metro Manila are subject to the regulatory authority of the MWSS. It is no secret that both concessionaires have made huge profits from the business.

In as much as the MWSS and its two concessionaires have benefited from this business, they should make sure that the dam can withstand the impact of unforeseen events. In other words, the MWSS and its concessionaires should guarantee the dam’s structural integrity and thus also the safety of the people living in its vicinity.

Unfortunately, to the dismay of all Bulakeños, after benefiting from Angat Dam for more than four decades, the MWSS is now abandoning the dam for the Laiban Dam, leaving Angat Dam at the mercy of time and nature.

Reportedly, Angat Dam needs immediate repair and maintenance work due to cracks along each of its ridges. In a 2009 speech, then Vice Governor Willy Alvarado warned that an earthquake with a 7.5 magnitude could bring down the whole dam and wipe out the whole of Bulacan.

In the spirit of unity and camaraderie, and in devotion to God, we Bulakeños are calling the attention of all concerned persons, institutions and agencies, public or private, to this danger. And we are appealing to them for immediate action to eliminate this deadly threat.

—JOSE T. MAGTALAS,

1128 Esguerra St.,

Pulilan, Bulacan