Rainwater collectors installed in 16 schools in Southern Leyte

Rainwater collection system in 16 schools in Southern Leyte have been installed in a bid to maximize the use of rainwater in the schools, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday.

According to District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia of Southern Leyte District Engineering Office, a total of P3.4-million was allocated to build the rainwater collectors in public schools.

This project, she said, “is a part of the climate change adaptation strategy to address the problem of water supply shortage.”

Rainwater collectors can harvest rainwater from the roof, groundwater catchment, or multipurpose pavement to store it in tanks with the capacity of 4,000 liters, the official said.

“This means that the harvested water can be distributed to toilets, wash rooms, and other utilities through pipes and faucets attached to the system,” Junia added.

The rainwater collection systems were installed in national high schools in Libhu, San Rafael, Asuncion, Ibarra, Guadalupe, Dongon, Maasin City, Ichon and Villa Jacinta in Macrohon town, Lungsoodan in Hinundayan town, Hinunangan town, Liloan town, Himbangan in St. Bernard town, and Sogod town.

Rain collectors were also installed in Padre Burgos Central School in Padre Burgos town and Asuncion Integrated School in Maasin City.

Junia explained that the project aims to answer the perennial concern of water shortage in Southern Leyte due to over extraction of groundwater, illegal connections, water pollution, water pipe leakages, faulty water meters, and climate change.