Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

HousE BrtLNo, 4810

[ Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes |

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rainwater is one of the oldest source of water which, not only plants and
animals can use, provide the needed water supply for humanity's survival. Aside
from being free, the Philippines, being a tropical country, has abundant rainwater
supply. In fact, rainwater harvesting can be traced back to the 9! to 10! century.

Many years back, 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, In fact, rainwater is substantially free of salinity and other salts. Hence, it
is safe, However, due to the changing of times, people are scared of storing rainwater
because of possible contaminants caused by too much pollution in our midst,

In order to ascertain and assure the safety of its use, a proper technology of
rainwater harvesting must be properly instituted. Hence, this proposal. 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.

Twould look forward to the immediate approval of this proposal.

FLORIDA P. ROBES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
310

HOUSE BILL NO.

_ Introduced by Representative Florida P, Robes ]

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM
IN THE CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby a declared policy of the State
to maximize the use of natural resources by ensuring a mechanism that will promote,
regulate and sustain its utilization such as rainwater. If properly managed, it can
supplement the dwindling water supply and prevent flash flooding.

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms shall
mean:

(a) Rainwater harvesting — refers to the accumulation and deposition of
rainwater for reuse on-site and water collected is redirected to a deep pit, a
reservoir with percolation and provides an independent water supply
during water restrictions and shortages or to supplement the main supply.

(b) Rainwater harvesting system — refers to the process of collecting rainwater
and then storing it for domestic use such as irrigation, laundry, flushing
and with additional treatment as drinking water,

(©) Rainwater ~ is 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.

(d) Rainwater catchment — is an area where rainwater is collected.

SEC. 3. Institutionalization, A rainwater harvesting system is hereby
institutionalized in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. This is to adapt and
implement programs that promote sustainability and maximization of natural
resources and in consonance with the commitment and realization by the Philippine
government of the benefits of Green technologies.


SEC. 4. Installation of Rainwater Catchment. Rainwater catchment or
storage tanks shall be installed and constructed in all the barangays of the City of San
Jose Del Monte, Bulacan through a technology that uses materials that will not leach
toxins into water under either normal or acid rain conditions and water storage tanks
that are not susceptible to contaminants. While considering cost-efficiency of
materials to be used, the safety of the users is pivotal.

SEC. 5. Rainwater Treatment. To ensure the quality of rainwater for
drinking purposes, it shall undergo filtration and purification mechanism to make
the water potable and safe. A rainwater treatment device shall also be installed in
order for rainwater to be safe for drinking.

SEC. 6. Operation and Maintenance. The operation and maintenance
shall be invested upon the barangay government headed by a Chairman to ensure
proper distribution and utilization and ensure regular cleaning and inspection of the
gutters and down-pipes and removal of dirt, leaves and other accumulated materials.
Additional care is required to avoid damage and contamination by people and
animals,

SEC. 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. — The Department of Health shall
conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to determine the safety of the rainwater

system.

SEC. 8.Appropriations.- ‘The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act shall be included in infrastructure projects of the concerned
government agency or agencies.

SEC 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations.— The Department of
Public Works and Highways and the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, in consultation with the local chief executive and the legislative
representative, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of
this Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause.- All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations contrary to 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 two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,