Ipe Carbonera

40 years old, Villa Ortigas, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Writer and Photographer: Gigie Cruz

I am Ipe Carbonera, 40 years old. I am originally from Bukidnon, Mindanao. I have been living and working here in Villa Ortigas for more than ten years. There were times when water supply here, in Villa Ortigas, went low, and I found it difficult. It might be that water pressure along Boni Serrano could be very low.

There were times when there was no water supply, but it didn’t last that long. Sometimes it would last for an hour. Sometimes water supply would be back by midnight. There were times when water interruption was announced.  If I remember it correctly, it was in April when the water supply went really low.  We have not experienced that, though, in recent months. It could happen again this coming April.  Luckily, the water supply was immediately restored in the past.

It becomes hot and uncomfortable when there’s no water.  There are times when we just want the water to cool ourselves, particularly during the dry season, when temperatures soar.   The lack of water makes us feel uneasy.  I hope the water supply will flow constantly.

There was a time when we didn’t have water for a day but it was restored the next day.  Residents were complaining about the situation and kept asking why water wasn’t flowing from the tap.  It could be because of low pressure, low supply, or due to busted pipes.

I don’t know the exact source of our water, but based on the news, the climate, particularly the soaring temperatures causes our water resources to dwindle. I am not sure if we will experience the same thing this coming year.

I have seen, in the news, the situation in Mandaluyong during the water crisis. I pity those who were severely affected by the lack of supply.  I guess others relied on water from deep wells.  There are times when deep well water has a muddy color and a different stench.

For us residents of Metro Manila, we need to help each other. Please use water wisely. Try to collect water while taking a shower and use this to flush toilets.  I hope more people will adhere to water conservation tips.