The Senate is looking to strengthen funding for water storage facilities, alternative drinking water sources and nature-based solutions under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) proposed PHP28.04-billion budget for 2027 to cushion communities against the anticipated very strong El Niño.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who led Monday’s budget hearing, said the DENR must prioritize investments that would allow communities to store rainwater, secure alternative water supplies and protect watersheds before drought conditions worsen.
“Dapat buhusan ng pondo ang paghahanda at emergency response sa paparating na tagtuyot para maibsan ang dagok nito sa bawat Pilipino (Funding must be poured into preparations and emergency response for the coming drought to ease its impact on every Filipino),” Hontiveros said in her opening statement.
She identified small water impoundment systems, which collect and store rainwater for use during dry periods, as among the interventions that should receive adequate funding.
Hontiveros also proposed maximizing atmospheric water stations of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to develop alternative sources of drinking water, particularly in communities vulnerable to shortages.
Beyond water infrastructure, she emphasized nature-based solutions that protect watersheds, restore forests and improve ecosystems’ ability to retain and regulate water.
The senator warned that the projected severe El Niño could aggravate existing water supply problems, noting that some communities already experience interrupted service or receive water of questionable quality even under normal conditions.
“Hindi pwedeng taumbayan lang ang mag-aadjust (The public cannot be the only one adjusting),” she said. “DENR must step up to a historic challenge.”
During the hearing, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna outlined several water security measures, including supply augmentation, infrastructure improvements, demand management and public conservation campaigns.
He said the department had proposed PHP124 million in direct financial assistance to local water districts to expand access to reliable, clean water in isolated and unserved barangays.
Cuna also reported that 61 reenergized deep wells were already operational in Metro Manila, alongside 135 stationary water tanks and 182 mobile tankers that could support water supply operations.
The DENR has another 15 water bladders or collapsible water tanks donated by the Netherlands government for possible deployment in strategic locations should shortages become severe.
The secretary also disclosed that he had submitted a proposed memorandum circular to the Office of the President directing government agencies to implement stricter water conservation measures.
These could include shutting off main water valves in government buildings during certain nighttime hours to reduce unnecessary consumption and water losses.
Hontiveros, however, pressed the department to identify which programs would directly address the projected drought and how much funding had been set aside for them.
DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said approximately PHP1.7 billion of the proposed budget could be classified as nature-based solutions, including reforestation, watershed protection, soil conservation and biodiversity-related livelihood programs.
Of this amount, PHP28 million was identified for nature-based flood mitigation interventions in four of the country’s 18 river basins.
Rebuelta-Teh acknowledged that some nature-based programs overlap with El Niño preparedness activities, making it necessary to determine the amount specifically intended for drought response.
She said the department would identify priority locations by comparing areas projected to experience severe El Niño conditions with groundwater-stressed communities and places already receiving water supply assistance.
The DENR committed to submit a more detailed breakdown of the proposed drought-related allocations.
Hontiveros said identifying these requirements would help the Senate determine where additional resources could be directed despite limited fiscal space.
She stressed that budget deliberations should establish not only how much the department intends to spend but also whether its interventions can prevent widespread water shortages.
“Beyond numbers, we need to know what we can do, can’t do, and should do to avoid a nationwide crisis,” she said.
The proposed PHP28.04-billion DENR allocation includes PHP13.078 billion for maintenance and other operating expenses, PHP12.170 billion for personnel services and PHP2.792 billion for capital outlay, according to the department’s budget presentation.
The National Water Resources Board, one of the DENR’s attached agencies, has a proposed allocation of PHP284.35 million.
Hontiveros said the department’s spending priorities must reflect the urgency of protecting households, livelihoods and essential water services against the anticipated drought. (PNA)
