EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
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SENATE
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM IN  METRO 
MANILA AND MAJOR CITIES IN  THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Rainwater is one of the oldest sources of water which can 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 9th to 10th century.
In 2012, the State of California passed the Rainwater Capture Act, authorizing 
residential, commercial and governmental landowners to install, maintain and 
operate rain barrel systems and rainwater capture systems for specified 
purposes, provided that the systems comply with specified requirements1.
Persisting water shortage in the country means municipalities, businesses and 
private citizens alike must remain ever conscious of potable water conservation. 
Collecting rainwater allows for the conservation of potable water for drinking.
1 State of California, Rainwater Capture Act of 2012


This bill seeks to institutionalize a rainwater harvesting system in the country 
that will supplement water supply and a contingency during water shortage or 
interruptions.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
MARIA LOURDES N^WCY S. BINAY
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
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20 
FEB 17 P 4 :ll
SENA'
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM IN  METRO 
MANILA AND MAJOR CITIES IN  THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
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Be It enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Rainwater Harvesting 
Facility Act".
Sec. 2. . Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared a 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. 3. 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.


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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.
c) Rainwater -  is liquid water in form of droplets that have condensed 
from atmospheric water vapor and the precipitated to become heavy 
enough to fall under gravity.
d) Rainwater catchment - is an area where rain water is collected.
Sec. 
3. 
Institutionalization. 
A 
rainwater 
harvesting 
system 
is 
hereby 
institutionalized in metro manila and major cities in the Republic of the 
Philippines. 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 metro manila and 
major cities in the Republic of the Philippines 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 water 
potable and safe. A rainwater treatment device shall also be installed in order for 
rainwater to be safe for drinking.


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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 Interior and Local 
Government (DILG) shall conduct regular monitoring and evaluation on the 
safety of the water for domestic use.
Sec. 8. Appropriations. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the 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. Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of 
this Act.
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. This Act repeals or modifies accordingly pertinent 
provisions of Sections 2, 3, and 4 of Republic Act No. 6959 and any law. decree, 
order, rule, and regulation, executive order, proclamation, or other issuances or 
parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.


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Sec. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazzette or two (2) newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,