FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. B 1 9 
;-; 
,;<'.,'"RF;·/~ f:V 
10 JUL-8 A8:17 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Water is the wellspring of I(fe. Throughout history, civilization has been born 
beside rivers, waterways and ocean. For water brings not only sustenance but life 
itself. 
With the archipelagic nature of our country, it is regrettable that some of our 
barangays are still without potable water supply system. 
This bill seeks to provide for an accelerated program for the construction of 
a potable water supply system in every barangay in the country. Through this 
proposed measure, it is hoped that the government will be able to address the 
health needs of our people in the rural areas. 
Immediate passage of this bill is thus earnestly recommended. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 819 
, 
OfFICi: ;., 'f" 
10 
JUL-8 A8:17 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
TO PROMOTE RURAL HEALTH BY PROVIDING FOR AN ACCELERATED 
PROGRAM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A POTABLE WATER SUPPLY 
SYSTEM IN EVERY BARAN GAY IN THE COUNTRY WTHIN THREE YEARS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
Policy. 
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote the quality of health of every Filipino through the provision of adequate 
social service including, but not limited to, the proVision of an adequate potable 
water supply system to minimize the exposure of water borne diseases. 
SEC. 2. 
Legal Agency. 
The Department of Social Welfare and 
Development in cooperation with the Department of Health and Department of 
Public Works and Highways shall undertake a three year program for the 
construction of potable water supply system in every barangay throughout the 
country. The program shall give priority to areas with social and health problems 
brought about by water-borne diseases taking into consideration population, area 
served, project cost and other economic, social and environmental factors as may 
be deemed necessary in undertaking the program within the context of the 
national development plans. The lead agencies concerned, in conSUltation with the 
provincial and municipal development councils, shall determine the areas shall be 
given priority. 
SEC. 3. 
Program Guidelines. 
The lead agencies concerned shall 
observe the following priorities and guidelines in the planning, construction and 
management of potable water supply project: 
(a) Funds provided for in this act shall be used only for the construction 
of the new potable water supply system; 
(b) Priority shall be ,given to the construction of communal water 
supply; 
(c) The potable water supply projects must be equitably distributed 
among the provinces and municipalities, giving priority to those 
provinces and municipalities having inadequate supply of potable 
water. 


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• 
(d) The local government unit concerned shall participate in the project 
in the project planning, identification, design, management of all 
project funds, construction and monitoring; 
(e) The potable water supply system shall be managed and maintained 
by the local government unit concerned; 
(f)The provincial officers of the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development, Department of Health, and Department of Public 
Works and Highways, shall be responsible in the preparation of 
feasibility studies and design of communal water supply project. 
SEC. 4. Appropriation. The sum of Fifty Million Pesos (50,000,000.00) is 
hereby appropriated for the initial implementation of the provision of this act. 
Thereafter, the succeeding appropriation for its continued implementation shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act until the program shall have 
been completed. 
SEC. 
5. 
Separability Clause. 
If any provision of Act is held 
unconstitutional, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
shall continue to be in force and effect. 
SEC. 6. 
Repealing Clause. 
All laws, preSidential decrees, issuances, 
orders, rule and regulation and inconsistent with the provision of this Act are here 
amended, repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,