Sustainable and Resilient Water and Sanitation Forum conducted by USAID

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Thursday, 31 March 2016 - 10:55:56 AM

BATANGAS CITY-Representatives from 70 Rural Water and Sanitation Associations learned about water safety and conservation and the importance of good sanitation in the Sustainable and Resilient Water and Sanitation Forum organized by the city government and the USAID SURGE(Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity) Project held at the Teachers Conference Center.

This is in celebration of the World Water Day with the theme “Why Wastewater?” as the world faces a water crisis due to overpopulation, urbanization and environmental degradation among others. Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Victor Reginald Dimacuha who represented Mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha stressed how former Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha started the Rural Waterworks System project in the 1980s to provide potable supply of water to the people in the countryside. Out of the 105 barangays, there are now 52 barangays with waterworks system.

Marian Cruz-Navata, Urban Planning Specialist from USAID Philippines said “USAID’s water strategy is based on our vision that improvement in water and sanitation will save lives and advance development. With urbanization and economic development in the Philippines, the demand for water is expected to grow by 50% according to a World Bank study. Clearly, improved water services are crucial to achieving inclusive and resilient growth.”

“Today’s forum is an opportunity to discuss how we can work together to improve access to clean and safe water and to effectively manage wastewater. The effort can provide new business opportunities and more “green” jobs. Management of wastewater provides a tremendous opportunity for long-term benefits on health, economic growth and environmental sustainability,” she added.

City Planning and Development Coordinator Januario Godoy said that the forum aims to ensure the safety and health of the people, promote unity among the members of the associations in the efficient management of their water supply and to look into the state of the ground water sources.

In her presentation of the water and sanitation situation in the city, Sanitary Engineer Elisha Dimayuga of the City Health Office said that of the total households of 69,263, about 66,926 households or 96.63% have safe water supply while 66,477 or 95.98% have sanitary toilets.

Engr. Susan Abaño, Chief of the Water Resources Assessment Section, Policy and Program Div., National Water Resources Board, said that the groundwater should be protected from pollution, contamination and illegal extraction and that there should be a formulation and issuance of policies for groundwater management. She also called for the strict implementation of the Water Code of the Philippines.

Engr. Gerry Mogol of the Environmental Health Office of the Dept. of Health(DOH) stressed that water quality monitoring should be a shared responsibility of the LGU, water providers and the DOH. He also said that the LGU must invest in sanitation facilities and must formulate a Local Sustainable Sanitation Program. Ms. Rodora Gamboa, Executive Director, Maynilad Water Academy, explained that their agency is offering technical assistance, consultation and training for a more efficient water safety planning and management.

During the open forum, it was emphasized that the city government is discouraging the construction of septic tanks with a distance of 25 meters and below from the ground water to prevent contamination. The septic tanks should also be emptied of wastes every three to five years. The testing of water quality produced by the waterworks should be undertaken monthly or quarterly in compliance with the National Standard Quality for Drinking Water. All waterworks are also encouraged by the National Water Resources Board to register with it to monitor the quantity of water production.

The waterworks associations proposed that they come up with a standard distribution map in coordination with the CEO to determine which water system is near the comfort room. The establishment of a central laboratory test for water testing was also suggested.(PIO Batangas City)

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