Cebu Provincial Development Body Wants Water Authority Activated

The Cebu Provincial Development Council’s (PDC) Environment Committee has urged for the activation of the province’s Provincial Water Resources Authority (PWRA).

“The Provincial Government of Cebu must take cognizance of the fact that the water resources of the province are dwindling and there is a need for a regulatory body for the proper appropriation, utilization ad conservation of water resources,” read the resolution of the committee.

“Water is life, a precious commodity vital for the continued existence of human race, it plays greater role in inciting economic, industrial and social development, as such, exploitation, extraction and distribution thereof are issues imbued with utmost public interest,” it further read.

The PWRA, through Ordinance No. 2006-12, was approved by the Cebu Provincial Board in 2006 but has not been activated since.

At the height of the long dry spell the province is facing, water conservationists are also calling on the activation of the PWRA.

Last May 25, the PB declared the entire Cebu under state of calamity due to the effects of El Niño in the different parts of the province.

The long dry spell has already destroyed tens of millions worth of crops all over the province, provincial agriculture officials said. (PNA) FPV/EB/SSC