LGUs urged to make rainwater harvesting mandatory to address water supply shortage

THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 6 (DENR-6) has called on local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas to make rainwater harvesting mandatory to help address the shortage in household supply. DENR-6 Director Jim O. Sampulna said the LGUs of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo must sponsor a resolution for its full implementation. “The measure remains a voluntary endeavour,” he said. The Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) also said an ordinance would provide an enabling environment for them to implement the rainwater harvesting program. Currently, MIWD is partnering with barangays, towns, and schools for the establishment of a rain catchment system. “But we need an ordinance because it will require the buildings to include the catchment system in their plan,” said MIWD General Manager Imelda T. Magsuci. —