The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Malaysian officials pay courtesy visit to BTA
COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro lawmakers have introduced two bills to combat water scarcity and advance renewable energy in the region.
Member of the Parliament Amilbar Mawallil primarily authored Parliament Bill Nos. 238 and 239 that would mandate the establishment of rainwater harvesting facilities and solar-powered water distribution in the Bangsamoro region.
The co-authors of these bills include MPS Laisa Alamia, Baintan Ampatuan, Rasol Mitmug Jr., Don Mustapha Loong, Suharto Ambolodto, Rasul Ismael, Hashemi Dilangalen, and Hamid Malik.
PB No. 238, or the Bangsamoro Rainwater Harvesting Facility Act of 2023, seeks to require the establishment of rainwater harvesting facilities to be installed as part of any industrial, commercial, or agricultural infrastructure built in the region.
According to MP Mawallil, the bill aims to enhance water security by diversifying water supply sources in a region heavily reliant on rain
COTABATO CITY - Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and other delegates paid a courtesy visit to the Bangsamoro Parliament recently.
Joined by other Bangsamoro Transition Authority officials and Members of the Parliament, Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong handed over an adopted resolution to the visitors, expressing their sincerest thanks and gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ebrahim for his continuous support and commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process.
Meanwhile, Speaker Balindong also gave updates fed agriculture and plagued by unpredictable rainfall patterns and the consequences of climate change.
Mawallil highlighted that rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and cost-effective solution to mitigate water scarcity issues by capturing and storing rainwater for later use. He said, “By mandating the incorporation of rainwater harvesting facilities in infrastructure development projects, we can harness the region’s abundant rainfall and make better use of this valuable resource.”
The captured rainwater, he explained, will supplement existing water sources, reducing dependence on groundwater and surface water, especially during dry periods.
The bill mandates the construction of reservoirs in all infrastructure development projects for various purposes, including irrigation, land preservation, environmental protection, and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Parliament Bill No. 239, or the Bangsamoro Solar-powered Water Distribution on the accomplishments of the Bangsamoro Parliament.
Deputy Speakers Atty. Omar Yasser Sema and Hatimil Hassan, Deputy Floor Leaders Atty. Raissa Jajurie and Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman,
Secretary General Prof. Raby Angkal, and Sergeantat-arms Abdulgani Caludtiag were also present during the visit. (LTAIS-PUBLIC Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)