BAGUIO CITY – Rainwater harvesting is urged for households, public schools, barangays and even government offices.
This was pointed out by Baguio Water District (BWD) General Manager Engr. Salvador Royeca as with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-CAR) Regional Director Ralph Pablo during the Balili-Bued governing body meeting last week.
A reiteration of several council resolutions for compliance in 2011 for households, public schools and big establishments, harvesting is simply rainwater collection from the rooftop (during the rainy season), storage in covered containers and conveyance for reuse. Rainwater could be used for watering plants, flushing and cleaning, it was noted.
In another resolution, fund assistance was requested with a private partner in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and District Engineering Office for compliance.
In 2016, a Memorandum of Agreement was forged between Baguio and an ecosystem research and development arm of the DENR for a water harvesting demonstration facility. Both parties agreed to promote sustainable water harvesting technology, develop assistance to studies and access to documents.
According to Royeca,the BWD Sto. Tomas catchment basin is ready for use.
Pablo, on the other hand, gave the information that the DENR-CAR building houses a 200-square meter harvesting facility; with that of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-CAR) OIC RD Reynaldo Digamo following suit.
Pablo said the facility is located at the third floor, enclosed by glass, painted white and complies with the green building specifications.
Rainwater harvesting is also being advocated by environmentalists to mitigate the effects of climate change, conserve water and help normalize the water cycle.
By: Julie G. Fianza
