ILOILO City – Amid rising demand and growing concerns over water sustainability in urban areas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 is intensifying its campaign to educate water business owners in Iloilo City about their legal obligations under the Water Code of the Philippines.
The DENR, through its Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division (LPDD), recently conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activity titled “Strengthening Water Governance: An IEC Campaign on PD 1067 for Water Business Owners in Iloilo City,” here with 124 participants from the water sector in attendance.
“Ensuring that those who utilize water resources and the general public are aligned with national policies, especially Presidential Decree 1067, is a big challenge. But, through this IEC campaign, we look forward to empowering water business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary for responsible operation, and utilization of the Iloilo City’s water,” said DENR-6 regional executive director Raul Lorilla.
“With this we ask for the cooperation of all water users in ensuring responsible utilization, development, conservation, and protection of the country’s water resources. After all we need to secure these fundamental resources,” he added.
The campaign highlighted the need for proper governance amid limited awareness among stakeholders about Presidential Decree 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines, which governs the ownership, appropriation, utilization, and conservation of the country’s water resources.
Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Edgardo Rostata also emphasized the broader implications of proper water governance.
“The importance of water governance is not just a business. It is a right. It is a resource that sustains life, supports economies, and anchors our public health systems. But water is also finite, and its quality and availability depend on how we manage it together. This is where water governance comes in,” said Rostata.
“Strengthening water governance today prevents crises tomorrow,” he added.
The forum also included presentations on water permit applications and environmental compliance.
LPDD chief Atty. Elizur Militar provided a detailed discussion on the Water Code’s objectives, principles, water rights, and permit processes.
Engr. Segundino Celeste Jr. discussed the requirements for water permit applications, while Engr. Heiress Lindsy Solo tackled Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) application processes. Rhed Manzano guided participants through the preparation and online submission of water permit documents to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
The DENR-6 said it will continue engaging local government units and stakeholders in Western Visayas to support the implementation and awareness of water regulations at the grassroots level./PN
