DENR 6 urges responsible use of water resources

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Access to clean and safe drinking water is vital not only for human survival but also for economic development and environmental sustainability.

In the Philippines, the primary legal framework governing water use is Presidential Decree No. 1067, known as the Water Code of the Philippines.

Despite its importance, many water business owners—especially in fast-growing areas like Iloilo City—remain unaware of the law and its provisions.

To address this, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 is intensifying its public education efforts on the Water Code, its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), and the importance of proper water use through an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign.

As part of this initiative, the Water Resource Utilization Section under the Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division of DENR 6 recently held an IEC activity titled “Strengthening Water Governance: An IEC Campaign on PD 1067 for Water Business Owners in Iloilo City” at Sams 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

The campaign aimed to close the knowledge gap and promote compliance with the Water Code among 124 participants, including business owners in the water sector and other stakeholders.

“Ensuring that water resource users and the public align with national policies—especially PD 1067—is a big challenge,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.

“But through this IEC campaign, we aim to empower water business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary for responsible water operation and use in Iloilo City.”

“With this, we call on all water users to cooperate in the responsible use, development, conservation and protection of the country’s water resources,” he added.

“In the end, we must safeguard this essential resource.”

In recent years, the region has made steady progress in educating local government units on the Water Code and its IRR to create informed stakeholders who can help the National Water Resources Board and DENR spread awareness among water users.

Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Edgardo M. Rostata emphasized the importance of understanding and following the Water Code’s rules and regulations.

“The importance of water governance is not just about business—it is a right,” Rostata said.

“It is a resource that sustains life, supports economies and anchors our public health systems.”

“But water is finite, and its quality and availability depend on how we manage it together. This is where water governance comes in.”

“Strengthening water governance today prevents crises tomorrow,” he added.

LPDD Chief Atty. Elizur G. Militar led a presentation on the Water Code and its IRR, highlighting the law’s provisions, objectives, principles, and processes on water rights and permits.

Other sessions covered water permit application requirements presented by Engr. Segundino D. Celeste Jr.; Environmental Compliance Certificate and Certificate of Non-Coverage application processes and EMB compliance, discussed by Engr. Heiress Lindsy P. Solo; and the preparation of online water permit applications for submission to the NWRB, presented by Rhed P. Manzano. (DENR-6)