There is no life on earth without water. Water is the most important substance in the world, a necessity utilized by living things for survival.
With the impacts of climate change, comes the need to promote water conservation for sustainable use.
In connection to this, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 6 through its Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division (LPDD) led by DMO V Hector S. Garrido, conducted an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on PD 1067, or the Water Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to key stakeholders within Region 6 at Casa Real, Provincial Capitol, Iloilo City, recently.
During the learning event, Garrido underscored the importance of water in people’s life and the environment and how to better care for our water resources. He believes that “educating everybody about water’s, fragility and threat of water’s scarcity are of vital importance.”
Topics discussed during the event are Water Code of the Philippines and its IRR and Water Permit Application Process.
The Water Code or Presidential Decree 1067 provides that all water found within, beneath and above Philippine territory belongs to the State. Thus, a water permit should secured for the following uses: domestic, municipal, irrigation, power generation, industrial, fisheries, commercial and other purposes.
Anyone, however, can have access to it, according to P.D. 1067, except those who plan to draw large quantities that should then be subject to a water permit from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
The orientation activity is part of a continuing learning event of DENR 6 in raising awareness on the importance of water. Also present during the learning event were Planning and Management Division (PMD) Chief Edna Locsin, officials from DENR Regional Office, LGUs and water users.
Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr. of DENR 6 is calling for the support of LGUs and other stakeholders to conserve water, especially in fighting the adverse effect of El Niño which has prompted LGUs in many areas in the country including Iloilo Province to declare a State of Calamity.
“Please help us spread the need for each individual to conserve water. We all need to work as one to win the battle against water scarcity,” RED Milla said.
Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems such as forests, mountains, wetlands and rivers that are essential to mitigate water scarcity is one of the ten (10) priority programs of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu. (DENR–6)
