National Water Resources Board Philippine Presentation Green Growth on Water Allocation Policy By Engr. Arlene C. Diaz National Water Resources Board
Outline Philippine Water Resources Existing Water Allocation System in the context of green growth Major Challenges in mainstreaming green growth in water allocation system
Philippine Water Resources Average Rainfall 2,400 mm per year 421 rivers 79 Lakes Groundwater 20.2 billion m 3 Surface Water 125.8 billion m 3 Picture taken from: http://prairierivers.org Water Resources Potential 146 billion m 3 58% has been allocated
Philippine Water Resources I: Ilocos III: Central Luzon IV: Southern Tagalog II: Cagayan Valley V: Bicol Baguio City Angeles City Iloilo City Metro Manila Davao City VI: Western Visayas VII: Central Visayas IX: Southwestern Mindanao XII: Southern Mindanao VIII: Eastern Visayas X: Northern Mindanao XI: Southeastern Mindanao Bacolod City Cebu City Zamboanga City Davao City
The situation calls for better management of water resources through optimum and beneficial resource utilization without jeopardizing the environment. This is one of the important principles to consider in establishing water allocation policy within the perspective of green economy. Securing enough water for human well-being, economic development and environment provides opportunity to meet the nation s development objectives because water is central to the whole economy and society.
Existing Water Allocation System in the context of Green Growth Basic water law in the Philippines that governs the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water resources. Provides that the preference in the use and development of water shall consider current usage and be responsive to the changing needs of the country Defines the extent of the rights and obligations of water users including the protection and regulation of such rights
Important Features of the Code Water Rights System is the tool for water resources allocation The measure and limit of appropriation of water shall be beneficial use Beneficial use is the utilization of water in the right amount during the period that the water is needed for producing the benefits for which the water is appropriated Water shall remain valid as long as water is beneficial, however, may be modified or cancelled after due process in violations of water permit conditions or in favor of a project of greater beneficial use or multi-purpose development. In the case of greater beneficial use permit holder who suffers shall be duly compensated
Important Features of the Code It recognized the environment as a legitimate water user through the provision of environmental flow (10% of the 80% dependable flow) in the allocation of surface water. In general, with regards to groundwater allocation, safe yield is the basis for allocation. The Code s Implementing Rules and Regulation requires the submission of Environmental Compliance Certificate or Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Related Policies on Water Allocation Moratorium on groundwater allocation in two out of the nine identified groundwater critical areas Water allocation policy for golf courses in critical areas Revised the water standard for irrigating turf grasses Requires the implementation of water conservation measures and program to encourage efficient use of water Revised policy on granting water rights for hydropower project Requires the submission of environmental/ecological study and sustainability plan Requires the installation of gauging stations to measure the inflow and outflows in the reservoir
Major Challenges in mainstreaming green growth in water allocation system Limited data/information and lack of decision support tools/system hampers the effective implementation of these policies, including the monitoring of its effectiveness Strict enforcement of laws and policies on violations on water permit conditions and illegal water users which calls for sufficient and active monitoring of water use. To link basin development and management planning into the water allocation system which takes into account the immediate to medium-term competing water requirements within the basin and between sectors