Cheap power & safe water

from Manila Bulletin Reporter

MANILA, Philippines — Congress moves to provide cheap electricity to low-income power consumers.
Yes to social justice!
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The House of Representatives approves House Bill 4629 extending socialized power rate for low-income households and small users, authored by Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone.
Yes to cheaper power rates for the poor!
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Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), consumers with zero to 100 kilowatt hours (kWh) of consumption have to be extended “graduated” discounts on their electricity rates and cross-subsidized. The discounts could run up to 100-percent for subscribers in the 0-20 kWh consumption range.
Yes to lifeline subsidy! No to power rate “electrocution.”
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Meanwhile, Malacañang allots and vows more funds for the provision of potable or safe water in many parts of the country.
Thanks for quenching our thirst! Thanks for water to cleanse our bodies.
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Earlier report says some 17 million Filipinos have no access to safe water due to the slow development of new water sources and facilities.
A tough problem but constant flow of funds will solve it.
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Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy warns that the number of Filipinos being denied access to potable water supply will likely increase due to various weather phenomena and related problems.
Hurry! Greater coordination among government agencies needed.
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She adds that “the poor have the worst access to water and are most of the time compelled to pay more for water. Moreover, 31 percent of illnesses in the country are water-related due to lack of clean drinking water supply and efficient sanitary facilities.”
Government should therefore make water provision a priority and a mission.
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Meanwhile, local authorities also call for the protection of rivers and other water sources from waste-dumping and pollution.
Yes, time to act now.
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Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda orders the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to impose stiff penalties on anyone disposing wastes in the Pampanga River.
Waste management by households and business establishments necessary.
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In nearby Bulacan, Governor Willy M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando also activate teams of river marshals in a bid to save and revive natural waterways.
Time to protect water sources and waterways.