ESPRESSO MORNINGS

By Joe Zaldarriaga

Mr. Joe Zaldarriaga, fondly called “Manong Joe”, is a distinguished figure in the country’s corporate communications landscape. Holding the position of Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications at Manila Electric Company (Meralco), he has orchestrated unparalleled success for the utility company, winning accolades for their brand of service communications.
Under his guidance, Meralco achieved unprecedented milestones, clinching a historic 3-peat Company of the Year title at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, scoring the only PR Team of the Year trophy bestowed at the Anvil Awards, and securing numerous honors at international and local communication awards.
Manong Joe’s leadership also extends as a respected member of the Board of Trustees for the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), concurrent with his role as Chairman of the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC Philippines) where he also served as its President.
Manong Joe is a distinguished awardee of the medallion of honor and scroll of commendation from the University of Manila, owing to his years in public service as a communications professional. He shares his insights through columns in renowned publications, including The Philippine Star’s The Z Factor, and Philippine News Agency’s ESPRESSO MORNINGS.

With the various technological advancements in today’s society, it may come as a surprise to many that access to basic needs remains a critical issue, especially in rural and remote areas.

Around 40 million Filipinos as of 2024 still lack access to formal water resources and are instead dependent on rainwater, rivers, or creeks for their daily needs, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – underscoring the greater urgency of addressing the problem of water access in the country.

While water costs are relatively lower compared to other basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, many areas in the Philippines still lack the necessary infrastructure to provide potable water to underserved communities due to the high amount of investment needed. DENR estimates show that around PHP250 billion in investments is needed for basic water access in the country.

Government cannot do this alone, which is why the private sector must step up to bridge the gap. Beyond the financial investment, private enterprises are in the best position to introduce technological advancements and innovative solutions to accelerate the provision of potable water to underserved communities.

Just recently, business leader and philanthropist Manuel V. Pangilinan, more commonly known as MVP, led the recent groundbreaking of the largest desalination plant in Metro Iloilo which, once completed, can turn saltwater into potable water.

The PHP5 billion facility – a project spearheaded by Metro Pacific Water together with French water solutions provider Suez – is expected to produce more than 66 million liters of water daily. This is equivalent to providing potable water access to around 400,000 households, making it a prime example of the power of private sector investment.

Another example is the Water Access Electrification Program of Meralco’s social development arm One Meralco Foundation. The foundation just recently energized the water system of Barangay Guinsang-an in South Cotabato, which has limited access to reliable water supply.

These projects are concrete demonstrations of how private sector investment can introduce long-term innovative solutions to address the country’s water challenges, which will not only benefit public health but also contribute to economic development.

The urgency and importance of providing water access to underserved communities cannot be overemphasized given that this is the most basic human requirement for health and well-being.

Water is simply a necessity. Without potable water, it is impossible to ensure a community’s survival and health, both of which are necessary in the growth of a nation. Lack of water access can trap communities in poverty, limiting access to hygiene and sanitation, exposing children and the elderly to greater risk of illnesses, endangering food security, and even stunting economic productivity as people are forced to spend hours to find potable water sources or collect and store water.

In short, water access can spell the difference between life and death.

It is in this light that the private sector can play a critical role in providing water access for underserved communities here in the country.

Providing and ensuring water access for all is a win-win situation that not only nurtures and protects life, but also ensures continuous economic productivity for collective progress. By investing in new technologies, introducing innovative designs, and partnering with the government, private entities can help pave the way not only for water access but water security for future generations to come.