THE country needs to incorporate climate change-resilient design in its water plans, as it improves the governance of water resources.
A policy brief on the Philippine water sector published by the Arangkada Philippines Project (Tapp) administered by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, cited the construction of disaster resilient water infrastructure, as well as redundant infrastructure to cope with extreme weather events.
“Eco-efficient water infrastructure should also be incorporated into master plans to be developed under a reformed water sector,” it said.
Stakeholders noted that consideration should be also given to the hydrological landscape of the country in the context of the proposed federalism.
“As much as possible, political boundaries should take into account hydrological ones to ease the process of water resource management in administrative sub-divisions of the country,” the paper said.
It proposed three measures towards achieving national water security, including improving the governance and management of water resources, enhance water quality and coverage, and expanding wastewater treatment coverage. (PHILEXPORT NEWS AND FEATURES)