SPM FLORES PUSHES FOR WATER CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT
By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros | Photo By: GPC–SP | Date: MARCH-APRIL
SPM Bellarmin A. Flores II delivers the third part of his Privilege Speech on Water Conservation and Management during the Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on April 11, 2019 at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Provincial Legislative Building and Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, San Fernando City, La Union.
With the pressing problem on the scarcity of water our country and our province is facing today, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member (SPM) Bellarmin A. Flores II delivered a three-part privilege speech during the Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on March 28, 2019, April 4 and 11, 2019 relative to water conservation and management.
According to him, the water crisis was brought about by lack of long-term and effective water contingency and security plan. There were numerous plans, projects and programs designed to develop water sources and secure water supply but were never implemented.
To address the issue on water shortage, he proposed in his speeches several measures that the province could adopt to mitigate the problem on water shortage including requesting the Senate and the Congress to pass a legislative measure creating a Department of Water Management and Conservation that will implement laws, policies and programs in the management and conservation of water sources and the same was duly adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Resolution No. 133-2019.
Likewise, he encouraged the planting of more trees and taking care of the same in the communities, along the banks of rivers, streams and creeks.
Strict implementation of the Philippine Green Building Code which mandates the collection of rainwater from roofs and hardscape of buildings which can be reused for other purposes was also proposed.
Farmers will also be required to install water tanks to be used to store rainwater collected or harvested during rainfall.
“Conserving water is really a big thing, every small steps or actions we do matters,” SPM Flores said. He encouraged everyone to conserve water by taking shorter showers, checking water connections in faucets and pipes for leaks, collecting used water to flush toilet or water plants, urge food establishments not to serve water unless it is asked, and the like. In agriculture, farmers and vegetable growers are encouraged to practice drip- irrigation in plants, hydroponic and aquaponic system.
Further, SPM Flores proposed to revisit the Provincial Environmental Management and Protection Code specifically on the provisions on the use of our water resources. Likewise, for the province to venture on water treatment facilities through Private-Public Partnership.
SPM Flores believes that conserving water even in our small little way will have a tremendous impact in the promotion of a sustainable and inclusive water management and conservation in our province.
All his speeches were referred jointly to the Committee on Environment and Energy, Committee on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources, and Committee on Public Works and Utilities and Committee on Laws, Rules and Privileges for their review and consideration/recommendation.
