As the rainy season intensifies across the Philippines, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) under the leadership of Chairman Ronnie Ong, has unveiled a timely and innovative Rainwater Catchment Project seeking to tackle water scarcity, improve water management, and bolster community resilience against the increasingly unpredictable impacts of climate change.
Recognizing the abundance of rain during this season, Chairman Ong’s personal advocacy is strategically focused on harnessing this natural resource through the installation of rainwater harvesting facilities. In collaboration with various Local Water Districts (LWDs), these facilities will serve as a vital alternative water source, reducing reliance on traditional systems and fostering sustainable water management practices.
The project is currently being piloted in five Local Water Districts: Cabuyao Water District in Laguna, Morong Water District in Bataan, Alitagtag Water District in Batangas, San Nicolas Water District in Ilocos Norte, and Bacolod City Water District in Negros Occidental. These districts have been strategically selected to showcase the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting in a variety of geographic and climatic conditions.
The LWUA Rainwater Catchment Project is designed to provide communities with a reliable alternative water source, particularly crucial during periods of drought or reduced rainfall as well as to promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the adoption of sustainable water management and conservation.
The Rainwater Catchment Project includes the installation of advanced rooftop rainwater collection systems seamlessly connected to storage tanks or reservoirs, each equipped with state-of-the-art filtration technology.
To ensure the project’s long-term success, a comprehensive capacity building and training program has been developed for the training of LGU personnel
Regular assessments of the systems’ performance will be conducted, including rigorous water quality testing and management protocols.
The Rainwater Catchment Project’s activation began on July 24 with the Cabuyao Water District, followed by the Morong Water District in Bataan on August 5, and most recently, the Bacolod City Water District in Negros Occidental on August 28. This September, activations include the Alitagtag Water District in Batangas, and the San Nicolas Water District in Ilocos Norte.
