Ilocos Norte earmarks PHP25M for 23 rainwater catchment facilities

WATER RESERVE. A water impounding project in Batac City, Ilocos Norte stores rainwater for agricultural use in this undated photo. The provincial government has allocated PHP25 million to build at least 23 rainwater catchment facilities as part of preparations for prolonged dry conditions. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte provincial government has set aside PHP25 million for the construction of at least 23 rainwater catchment facilities as the province prepares for prolonged dry conditions and possible El Niño impacts.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) officer Marcell Tabije confirmed the allocation following a meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Tabije said the project is intended to augment water supplies in communities that could face reduced availability during extended periods of below-normal rainfall.

“The investment comes as communities face increasing pressure on water resources during periods of reduced rainfall, particularly with the province preparing for the impacts of El Niño,” he said in an interview.

The Provincial Engineering Office has prepared a design for elevated steel water tanks in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), with the units to be installed near BFP stations, Tabije said.

The City of Batac and the municipalities of Paoay, Solsona and San Nicolas have been identified as priority areas.

BFP stations in several parts of the province are already ready for the installation, including those in Badoc, Bacarra, Banna, Burgos, Carasi, Currimao, Laoag City, Marcos, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Solsona and Vintar, he said.

The provincial government is also encouraging households, schools and communities to establish their own rainwater catchment systems to collect and store water for later use instead of allowing runoff to drain directly into rivers or the sea.

Stored rainwater may provide an additional source for appropriate household, agricultural, institutional and other nonpotable uses, subject to the system’s design and applicable health and safety standards.

For agricultural communities, the additional reserves could help reduce pressure on existing water sources during dry periods.

Tabije said putting the facilities in place ahead of prolonged dry conditions would give communities additional water reserves and improve their capacity to cope with possible shortages.