Cebu City’s water conservation act to be amended

CEBU, Philippines — The amendment of the current water conservation act of Cebu City is being pushed in order to help support the increasing demand of water supply in the city.

Through an ordinance, Councilor Joel Garganera said the proposal aims to amend the Water Conservation Program of the city, as well as its prescribed penalties, but stressed that they are now exploring other alternatives to come up with more agreeable amendments.

This came after the Committee on Budget and Finance, headed by Councilor Noel Wenceslao, did not recommend the approval to impose a tax credit scheme for those who will be complying with the establishment of water retention ponds.

The committee’s recommendation to not approve the impose tax credit scheme was also highlighted during a public hearing, which was conducted to tackle the provisions of the proposed ordinance.

“The Committee on Budget and Finance in their Committee report that while Tax Credit help taxpayers, primarily those in middle-income and low -income households would reduce the amount of tax they owe or get the largest refund possible,” said Garganera.

He added that the committee suggested to explore alternative options to be implemented to ensure its effective implementation.

Garganera said that the purpose of the tax credit was to encourage participation by recognizing compliance alongside penalizing non-compliance.

He, however, said that they acknowledge the recommendations of the budget office regarding potential revenue impacts for the city.

“While compliance should be appreciated, it remains our responsibility to meet regulatory standards irrespective of any incentives,” said Garganera.

With this, Garganera said they will be discussing this matter with the Task Force Gubat Sa Baha to explore alternative options.

Further, he said that among the salient points of the ordinance is to mandate the implementation of rainwater harvesting, storage, and utilization in various and selected establishments.

Aside from these, the ordinance also mandates to establish a regional detention pond program in selected areas. Garganera noted that the existing structures being crafted to establish rainwater tanks must be implemented within two years from the approval of the ordinance. — Iris Hazel Mascardo/ATO

The proposed amendment also covers the required particular structure and sizes for rainwater tanks, as well as the imposition of imposition of fees.

Following the public hearing, Garganera said they will also be coordinating with the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) over the recommendation on the inclusion of cistern specifications and technical designs in the ordinance.

It was in 2006 when the Cebu City council passed City Ordinance No. 2103 or the Rainwater Ordinance Conservation Ordinance of the City of Cebu as part of their authority to "to adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the city from the harmful effects of man-made or natural disaster and calamities and to regulate the construction, maintenance, repairs of cisterns and reservoirs."

The proposed amendment came from the recommendation of the Task Force Gubat sa Baha to keep the ordinance, relevant according to the changing times.