A network of non-government organizations in Cebu is asking the provincial government to convene the Provincial Water Resources Authority (PWRA).
The Kaabag sa Sugbo Network considers the creation of a PWRA as a step forward, said Cathy Ruiz, coordinator of the Kaabag sa Sugbo Network, which is made up of 26 NGOs.
She said the PWRA can look into water conservation, regeneration and the creation of water catchment areas throughout the province, among others.
Ruiz said the proposal is part of the network’s action to find a strategic approach to address the water problem facing Cebu, especially in the midst of a dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.
The network is even coordinating with Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano, chairman of the PB committee on environmental conservation and natural resources, to find a solution to this problem.
The PB passed the ordinance creating the PWRA in 2006 when Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia was still the Cebu governor, said Ruiz, during the Kapistorya forum at the Capitol last Friday.
However, the PWRA was never convened.
“We want to study the existing ordinance because we want to propose a more strengthened authority,” said Ruiz.
One of the advocacies the NGO is promoting is saving rainwater for various purposes, ranging from industrial to agricultural.
The PB, earlier this year, passed a resolution sponsored by Ouano asking Gov. Hilario Davide III to convene the PWRA in the light of the recent quarrying concern at the Sapangdaku River in Toledo City.
Ouano, who was the main guest, during the forum last Friday, said he still has not received a response from the governor.
Meanwhile, Jose Gapas of the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc. said that the only way to make sure the solutions to Cebu’s water problems are carried out is the creation of the authority.
He said it has to be independent from the National Water Resources Board in Manila.
Gapas, who was then SWCF chairman and president, drafted an executive order asking the construction of gabions and check dams in all waterways in the uplands.
“It would need only P75 million to organize this authority and it would be a sustaining authority,” said Gapas.
He said he gave Governor Davide a copy of his letter and the executive order sent to then President Arroyo.
He said Davide endorsed the documents to Malacañang. / with ADMU Intern Shaneika Edryce Lim