MANILA, Philippines — The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is now coordinating with 532 water districts across the country to ensure a stable and safe water supply in schools ahead of the class opening on June 16.

LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga announced during a Malacañang press briefing on Friday that a memorandum circular has been issued, instructing all water districts to address water supply issues in their areas, particularly those affecting public and private schools.

“This (memorandum circular) covers both private and public schools. We are now processing all of those reports,” Salonga said.

He added that LWUA expects to finish reviewing the reports by Tuesday and present the findings to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The President earlier ordered water authorities to ensure clean and consistent water access in schools following his visit to two public schools in Malolos City and San Miguel, Bulacan, where he observed non-functional toilets due to lack of water supply during the kickoff of the Brigada Eskwela campaign.

President Marcos expressed concern about the possible health risks for students, emphasizing that access to clean and stable water is a basic necessity.

“Over the past week, matindi pa sa tawag sa 8888 ang nakuha namin kasi mismong Presidente ang nag-advocate sa consumers. So we had no choice but to act forthwith,” Salonga said, referring to the increased pressure following the President’s directive.

LWUA, which supervises water supply systems in cities and municipalities outside Metro Manila, said it is working on both short-term and long-term solutions to improve water access in schools nationwide.