Save rainwater, Loren tells LGUs

CEBU, Philippines - Local government units are urged to save excessive rainwater by putting up catchment facilities in every barangay to help address water shortage during summer.

Senator Loren Legarda encouraged LGUs to follow the example of Iloilo City government, which put up rainwater harvesting facilities in each barangay as part of its water conservation program.

Legarda said that putting up such system would help address the country’s water shortage problem, particularly during summer, while making use of the excessive water brought by the rains nowadays.

 “Water is a very precious resource. We have been experiencing water shortages especially in the urban areas. Putting up rainwater harvesting systems will help address that shortage while reducing our dependence on commercially available water,” she explained.

She added that while careful planning and studying would still be needed before such system can be put up, citizens can already start collecting and storing rainwater in their homes.

 “These catchment systems can be built using low-cost local materials. But while the system is not yet in place, the people can store rainwater especially in areas being frequented by rains. We just have to make sure that water is stored properly so it would not become a breeding place for mosquitoes,” Legarda said.  (FREEMAN)