Baguio to collect rainwater for plants in parks

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BAGUIO CITY – The city government and the Ecosystems Research and Developmentl Bureau (ERDB) throughh h its Watershed and Water Resources Research Center (WWRRC) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for establishing a water- harvesting demonstration.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan signed in behalf of the city with ERDB Acting Director Henry Adornabo; Carlos Arida, of the WWRRC and Cordelia Lacsamana, chief of City Environment and Parks Development Office (CEPMO).

Officials said the city’s lack of water to sustain the needs of the parks for the sustenance of flowering plants can be attributedattrib to the city’s huge population and effectse of climate change.

TheT MOA involves the building of a water-harvestingwater facility for the needs of fh the city.

As defined, a water- harvesting technology is any man-made or artificial means of impounding or storing rain water, springs, deep well, streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.

ERDB is the principal research and development arm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) over watershed as well as resources and the implementer of the program on technology transfer and extension services.

The agreement also provides for ERDB to provide technical assistance in various forms of extension services for the use of bamboo technologies in the rehabilitation of denuded areas within the identified site for water harvesting.

The office will conduct site monitoring and coaching to the city to improve the water harvesting sites.

For its part, the city government will participate in trainings, technoexhibits as well as to involve the ERDB in the development of the said facility and site.

The city will also promote and showcase sustainable water-harvesting technologies and encourage water harvesting technology adoption by stakeholders and visitors at the Botanical Garden.

Baguio residents are urged to practice rainwater collection.