THE House of Representatives, under Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, is committed to address the water supply challenges faced by Filipinos amidst the El Nino phenomenon.

According to Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, the Congress, has taken proactive measures to address the water supply problems before it will get worst.

Under Romualdez’s visionary leadership, the Congress is providing solar water systems to the upland areas, enabling access to essential services that were previously lacking.

“This groundbreaking move demonstrates the Congress’s commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the Filipino people,” Co said.

Co stressed that even prior to the onset of the El Niño phenomenon, the Congress has allocated a significant budget of P10 billion in the 2023 GAA for the construction of solar-powered water supply systems across the country.

He noted that Romualdez is committed to provide Solar-Powered Water Supply System to 60 percent or 40 Million Filipino in the upland barangays to have access to potable water.

“The Speaker’s commitment to being ahead of problems is evident as he gave clear instructions to prioritize extending access to potable water across the entire country,” the Bicolano lawmaker said.

“Speaker Romualdez’s legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Filipino people. This Congress is not just focused on parochial matters but takes an institutional approach in addressing the fundamental needs of our nation,” he also said.

Co further emphasized that access to water is a basic human right, vital for the realization of all other human rights.

“According to the United Nations, clean and safe potable water is not yet fully provided to the public. Recognizing this, Speaker Romualdez and the Congress remain steadfast in their mission to bridge this gap and ensure that every Filipino has access to clean and safe water.” Co stated.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

Meanwhile, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the importance of integrating rainwater harvesting facilities in new structural development projects to provide a long-term solution to El Ñino that hits the country periodically.

“Naniniwala ako na malaki ang maitutulong nito lalo pa at may water shortage sa Metro Manila na hanggang ngayon ay pilit pa ring inireresolba kung paano magkakasya ang supply ng tubig maging sa mga karatig-bayan,” the veteran lawmaker remarked.

Revilla filed Senate Bill No. 990 or the “Rainwater Harvesting Facility Act of 2022” in August last year in the hopes of abating the effects of the recurring El Niño phenomenon.

The bill seeks to mandate the establishment, management, maintenance, and regulation of rainwater harvesting facilities in all new institutional, commercial, industrial, and residential development projects in Metro Manila.

Project developers whose project area is more than 100 square meters shall reserve, develop, and maintain the said facility. Meanwhile, project developers of proposed commercial, industrial, and residential development or any residential multi-dwelling units with land area of more than 1,000 square meters must submit a Rainwater Management Plan (RMP) as part of the site development application and approval process.

Revilla also said that the El Niño is a recurring natural phenomenon that needs a long term solution and he believes that rainwater harvesting will greatly mitigate its effects.

According to reports, the water level of Angat Dam and five dams in the country has already dipped below minimum operating level due to the dry spell currently being experienced in the country. With Camille P. Balagtas