Village measure needs full public disclosure

CEBU, Philippines - A proper educational campaign must be conducted before enforcing a measure that seeks to prevent residents from performing household chores near artesian wells, according to a committee report made by Talisay City Councilor Bernard Joseph T. Odilao, who chaired the Committee on Environment.

Odilao said the barangay Bulacao ordinance needs full public disclosure and a venue for proper dissemination.

“This will also serve as an educational tool on proper sanitation,” Odilao said, adding that the thrust of barangay Bulacao is commendable.

According to Odilao, there is a need to emphasize the involvement of the barangay with regards to the monitoring and policing public artesian wells.

The report also said the barangay ordinance is silent on the participation of the city level with regards to the safeguard of public artesian wells.

He said pollutants can easily contaminate an open artesian well if not well maintained.

Ordinance author Bulacao barangay Councilor Edwin Enerian said using public artesian wells for household chores could pollute the water or cause quarrel among residents. (FREEMAN)