Economic upswing in each barangay

In a recent conference at the University of the Philippines-Baguio, scientists pointed to the irony that the mountaintop city floods up yearly from rains. Among the most destructive of late were the meter-high torrents of Typhoons Feria in July 2001 and Loleng in October 1998. A geologist suggested the obvious solution of harvesting rainwater in every barangay. A number of participants raved at the novel idea.

The proposal wasn’t really new. As far back as 21 years ago, in March 1989, Congress already had enacted the construction of rainwater collectors, dredging of springs, and rehab of water wells in all barangays. Republic Act 6716 even set a deadline of commencing the works within 30 days of passage, and completion by June 1991. Funding shall have come from appropriations of the Department of Public Works and Highways in 1989, 1990 and 1991. Barangays should have organized water and sanitation councils to manage the facilities. (See www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno6716.html)

Sadly R.A. 6716 ended up a dead-letter law. It wasn’t so much from lack of funding than of focus. Flood-control was viewed back then not as a barangay but purely national concern that needed massive public works. Water supply too was deemed a central government duty to be done at the top. As for water conservation, nobody cared. Barangay councils were busy with crime fighting. Only a handful of barangays egged the DPWH to build water impounders-cum-flood controls. The rest ignored the law, suffering the consequence of alternating floods and droughts in the succeeding years.

New DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson, who graced the Baguio seminar on green urbanism, must have held back from castigating the barangays. But doubtless he knows about R.A. 6716 and his agency’s overdue task of implementing it. Before joining Noynoy Aquino’s admin he was CEO of Maynilad Services Inc., one of Metro Manila’s two water distributors. Construction of water catchments and cleanup of springs as far back as 1989-1991 could have eased the concessionaires’ burdens upon startup in May 1995. But as it happened, no barangay in the metropolis had complied with the law. So Maynilad and Manila Water Co. had to do most of the job to enhance their businesses, but at huge costs. Now at the helm of the lead implementer, Singson can make things roll at last.

Legally Singson may have no choice. Environment lawyer Tony Oposa filed a suit last April to compel the government to enforce R.A. 6716 once and for all. Cited in the charge were not only the DPWH and 44,000 barangays, but also all 82 provinces, 126 cities, and 1,512 municipalities. Oposa has a track record of winning conservation causes. Recently the Supreme Court upheld him in obliging all towns around Manila Bay and a dozen national agencies to keep it clean.

As lawyer for the government Solicitor General Joel Cadiz is duty-bound to argue the case on Oposa’s side, versus the violators. Reportedly he is arranging meetings between Singson and Oposa to agree on civil work schedules instead of hearing dates. Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo is to ensure final enforcement. Perhaps the departments of health, agriculture and environment can join in.

The issue at this point may be about legal compliance. But with barangay elections coming up on October 25, R.A. 6716 can well become a pivot for voters’ political and environment education. Still the boon will be in actual erection of water impounders and flood controls, spring dredging, and restoration of wells. Imagine the simultaneous economic surge in each barangay as labor is recruited, construction materials purchased, and tools and food readied for the project. In the end barangays will be rid of floods and dry-ups, and have unclogged waterways, health and more food.

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Readers continue to swamp Gotcha with e-mails about interest and penalty overcharging by credit card companies. For advice and concerted action they can link up with crusader Eduardo Olaguer, founder-president of Advocates for Truth in Lending: land line (02) 9136382, fax (02) 9136385; e-mail [email protected].

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For kids from five to 95: The finals of the first ever Illusive Search for Magikerong Pilipino unfolds on Thursday, September 30, 7:30 p.m., at the Phil-Am Theater, U.N. Avenue, Manila. Ten famed magicians from around the Philippines will vie for the title; plus one surprise show. All for the abracadabra ticket prices of P300, P500, and P700.

Organized by Nap Bargas Perez, who also does magic shows for parties, conference breaks, and tours: YouTube napbargasperez, mobiles (0927) 3073877 or (0908) 1689621, e-mail [email protected].

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  ”Better the hard judgment of a loving person, than the praise of an unloving one.” Shafts of Light, Fr. Guido Arguelles, SJ

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E-mail: [email protected]