Public hearing on additional water tax set

A public hearing is set by the City Council before it will decide on the proposed Ecological Services and Protection Fee law which imposes a P.25 per cubic increase in a household’s water monthly bill.

The proposed ordinance aims to create Ecological Services and Protection Fund to protect 6 watershed areas in the city, particularly in Iponan, Alae, Agusan, Gusa, Cugman, and Bigaan.

This move is in line with Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 which provides that local government units shall ensure and support the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, and enhance the right of people to a balanced ecology, among others.

Councilor Edna Dahino said the council was about to approve the ordinance however, she insisted that a public hearing must be conducted first since “this involved additional burden for consumers”.

“Of course we need to inform the consumers because they will be affected with this increase. But also, we hope this also gets approved because its purpose is to protect our river,” she said.

The public hearing is set on November 13.

Section 4 of the proposed law imposes an ecological services fee on all water users. For commercial and industry sector, a P.50 per cubic meter shall be collected and added to the monthly bill, while P.25 per cubic meter will be added to residential areas.

The collected fees will also be used for livelihood programs that will aid in the conservation, protection and restoration of the river basin, development of parks and open spaces within the city and the information dissemination to strengthen the advocacy.