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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
2381

Introduced by Honorable Florida P. Robes

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rainwater is one of the oldest sources of water which not only plants and animals can use to
provide the needed water supply, but also for humanity’s survival. The Philippines, being a
tropical country, has an abundant rainwater supply. Rainwater harvesting can be traced back to
the 9" and 10 century.

Filipino homes have rainwater gutters and pipes where rainwater flows and eventually stored
in water buckets or pails. The water harvested can be used during drought. This system can
help mitigate flooding of low-lying areas and reduced demand on wells which may enable
groundwater levels to be sustained. Moreover, rainwater is substantially free of salinity and
other salts hence, it is safe. However due to the changing of times, people are afraid of storing
rainwater deu to possible contamination caused by too much pollution in our midst.

In order to assure the safety of its use, a proper technology of rainwater harvesting must be
instituted. Its approval will be beneficial to the constituency of the city of San Jose Del Monte.
It will supplement the water supply and will serve as a contingency during water shortage or
interruptions.

I would look forward to the immediate approval of this proposal.

FLORYDA P. ROBES


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

HOUSE BILL NO.

2381

Introduced by Honorable Florida P. Robes

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be in enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “San Jose Del Monte Rainwater
Harvesting System Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. The State recognizes the importance of preserving its
natural resources such as rainwater. The State shall therefore maximize its use by providing a
‘mechanism that will promote, regulate and sustain its utilization to supplement the dwindling water
supply and control flooding. Pursuant thereto, the State and its instrumentalities shall adapt and
implement programs that will promote the sustainability and maximization of rainwater.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:

a) Rainwater — refers to liquid water in the form of droplets that have condensed from
atmospheric water vapor and then precipitated to become heavy enough to fall under

gravity.

b) Rainwater catchment — refers to an area or water storage tanks where rainwater is
collected.

) Rainwater harvesting — refers to the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse

on-site during water restrictions and shortages or to supplement the main supply.


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d) Rainwater harvesting system (RHS) - refers to the process of collecting rainwater which
can be used for potable consumption if filtered and disinfected, and non-potable
consumption if used untreated, through a technology that uses materials and water
storage tanks that are not susceptible to contaminants and that will not leach toxins into
the water under either normal or acid rain conditions. RHS provides a simple and cost-
effective means to preserve water, reduce flooding, provide water buffer and recharge
aquifers

SEC. 4. Utilization of Rainwater Harvesting System. A rainwater harvesting system
(RHS) shall be constructed in all government and public establishments in the City of San Jose Del
Monte, Bulacan for rainwater collection to ensure continuous water supply even during times of
drought or water shortages.

Rainwater catchment or storage tanks shall be installed and constructed in all government
and public establishments in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan through a technology that uses
materials that will not leach toxins into the water under either normal or acid rain conditions and
water storage tanks that are not susceptible to contaminants.

The local government unit shall also utilize the facilities that have been provided and
constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways pursuant to its mandate under RA
6716, entitled, An Act Providing for the Construction of Water Wells, Rainwater Collectors,
Development of Springs and Rehabilitation of Existing Water Wells in all Barangays in the
Philippines, and its recommended prototype designs for rainwater catchments.

SEC. 5. Rainwater Treatment — To ensure the quality of rainwater for drinking purposes,
a rainwater treatment device shall be installed in each barangay for filtration and purification processes.

‘The DPWH, through its attached agencies, shall provide a rainwater treatment facility in each
barangay.

SEC. 6. Operation and Maintenance. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 3 of RA
6716, the operation and maintenance of the RHS shall be vested upon the barangay government,
headed by its Chairperson, to regulate the proper distribution and utilization of water and to ensure
the regular cleaning and inspection of the gutters and down-pipes and removal of dirt, leaves, and
other accumulated materials. It shall implement additional care mechanisms to avoid damage to
equipment and facilities, and possible contamination by people and animals to the water reservoir.
It shall integrate the concept of climate change in the various phases of policy formulation.

SEC. 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. The Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG) shall conduct regular monitoring and evaluation on the RHS to determine the safety of water
for domestic use.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be included in the budget of the concerned departments and agencies. For the concemed local
government units, the amount shall be taken from their internal revenue allotment


SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days of the
effectivity of this Act, the DILG, in consultation with the local chief executive and a representative
of the barangay council, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations
contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,