Rainwater harvesting bill filed in Bangsamoro parliament

A proposed bill seeking the establishment of rainwater harvesting facilities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been filed in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Parliament Bill (PB) No. 238 or the “Bangsamoro Rainwater Harvesting Facility Act of 2023” seeks to mandate the construction of reservoirs in all industrial, commercial, and agricultural infrastructure development projects in the region to harvest rainfall and runoff for irrigation.

In his explanatory note, MP Amilbahar Mawallil, author of the proposed measure, said BARMM

has been facing “significant challenges related to water scarcity and accessibility” and capturing rainwater can be a “sustainable and cost-effective solution” to address the problem.

Mawallil also said it will enhance water security “by diversifying the water supply sources” as the captured water can supplement the existing water sources, reducing dependence on groundwater and surface water, especially during dry periods.

Under the proposed bill, an owner or developer of an industrial or commercial infrastructure development project with an area of at least 1,500 square meters shall reserve, develop, and maintain a small water-impounding project as a rainwater harvesting facility.

Individual farmers with a minimum of 0.5 hectare production area, or a group of farmers with a minimum of 2.5 hectares production area and have a common site for a small farm reservoir (SFR) will be provided with the SFR.

The rainwater harvesting facilities will be designed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works.

“Rainwater harvesting promotes sustainable water management practices by reducing the strain on existing water resources. It contributes to water conservation, minimizes runoff and erosion, and protects natural ecosystems,” said Mawallil.

“By implementing this measure, we can foster a culture of responsible water management, harnessing the abundance of rainwater in the BARMM and ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come,” he said. —NB, GMA Integrated News