Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 19.16

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACTIVITIES RELATED TO WATER USE
EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES AND
PRACTICES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As more and more scientific and empirical evidence shows that climate change
poses a serious threat to the world’s resources, the need to take a more proactive
stance to mitigate its pernicious effects becomes more imperative.

With this in mind, the proposed Bill aims to facilitate the research, development,
education and technology transfer activities related to water use efficiency and
conservation technologies, processes and best practices. This bill gives emphasis to
our water resource which is identified as one of the critical resources affected by the
global warming phenomenon.

It is in this light that the approval of this measure is earnestly requested

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO GLOR| APAGAL ARROYO.
Second District, Camarines Sur Sef6nd District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 19.16

Ic

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION
AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACTIVITIES RELATED TO
WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Water Use
Efficiency and Conservation Research Act of 2013.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State reaffirms its commitment to
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord
with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall work
tirelessly for the protection, conservation and sustainability of all its natural
resources. As climate change and other human activities continue to threaten the
State's water resources, it shall be the policy of the State to promote water use
efficiency and conservation through research, development, education and
technology transfers.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms
shall be construed to mean as follows:

a “DENR” - Department of Environment and Natural
Resources


b. “DOST" - Department of Science and Technology

c. "Grey water" - non-industrial wastewater generated
from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and
bathing

d. “Storm water” — water from precipitation that get
seeped into the ground or drained into the drain system

SECTION 4. Research Program. —- The Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), together with the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources and other concerned government agencies, boards and bureaus shall
establish a research and development program (hereinafter referred to as
“Program’”) that promotes water use efficiency and conservation.

The program shall include the following areas of study

a. Technologies and processes that enable the
collection, storage, treatment and reuse of rainwater, storm water
and grey water;

b. Water storage and distribution systems;

c. Behavioral, social and economic barriers to achieving
greater water use efficiency; and

d. Use of watershed planning directed towards water
quality, conservation and supply.

In planning and implementing the program, the agency/ies-in-charge shall
consider the following:

a. Research needs identified by water resource experts,
local governments and other interested parties; and

b. Technologies and processes likely to achieve the
greatest increases in water use efficiency and conservation,

SECTION 5. Strategic Research Plan. - The DOST, together with the
DENR and other concerned government agencies, boards and bureaus, shall
coordinate the development of a strategic research plan for the Water Use
Efficiency and Conservation Research and Development Program.

The plan shall


a. Establish research goals and priorities for a water use
efficiency and conservation research agenda such as developing
innovative water supply-enhancing processes and technologies and
improving existing processes and technologies, _ including
wastewater treatment, desalinization and groundwater recharge
and recovery schemes; and

b. Identify current research efforts on water use
efficiency and conservation.

SECTION 6. Technology Transfer. — Technology transfer shall be facilitated
under the Program. The following technology transfer activities shall be
specifically undertaken:

a. _ Facilitate the adoption of technology and processes to
promote water use efficiency and conservation;

b. Collect and disseminate information on technologies
and processes to promote water use efficiency and conservation
such as:

i. Incentives and impediments to development
and commercialization;

ii. Best practices; and

il, Anticipated increases in water use efficiency
and conservation resulting from the implementation of
specific technologies and processes.

SECTION 7. Report. - Not later than eighteen (18) months after the
effectivity of this Act, and every two (2) years thereafter, the lead government
agency shall transmit to Congress a progress report on the projects and
researches conducted under the Program.

SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act, are hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National
Treasury.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or
issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or


regulation contrary to, or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby
repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,