Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) national president Dakila Cua called on the local government units (LGus) to initiate measures that will enhance the development of their respective rivers and other water resources.
He issued the statement claiming the surge in the popularity of the recently opened Pasig River Esplanade in Manila.
“Dinadagsa ngayon ang Pasig River Esplanade, at bago nito, ang esplanade sa Iloilo, at ipinapakita ng mga ito na mahalaga para sa mga kababayan natin ang pagkakaroon ng public open space (the people are now trooping to the Pasig river esplanade and before that the esplanade in Iloilo and this shows that it is important to our countrymen to have public open space),’’ Cua said.
Further, Cua urged the LGUs to heed the people's clamor for more spaces that the public can access for leisure, recreation and education.
The ULAP chief emphasized that more than “aesthetic purposes,’’ developing rivers could help fulfill transportation and tourism needs as well as increased public appreciation for the environment.
"Our rivers are also an integral part of our identity as Filipinos. In a sense, revitalizing our rivers is also a way to reconnect with our culture and history, besides emphasizing the value of sustainable development among our communities," he added.
He also expressed hope that the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) would share their knowledge with the other LGUs across the country who wish to revitalize their rivers.
"Even at its early stage we are already optimistic that the Pasig Bigyan Buhay Muli project will be a success. I hope that the keys towards attaining this success will be shared to other LGUs, as well," Cua stated.
He also lauded the Marcos administration for spearheading the project.
"By embarking on this project, the present administration shows its commitment toward sustainable and pro-people development, and we LGUs are inspired to follow suit," he ended.
Earlier, Cua commended the national government for implementing programs that target to address the clean water supply woes of the poorest municipalities in the country.
In a statement, Cua stated the need of the concerned towns to be provided access to clean and stable water supply.
"We in ULAP have always emphasized the need to address people's basic right to water, in line with our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. We laud the national government for helping our poorest local government units fulfill such need," Cua said.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently launched a support fund to aid 4th to 6th income class municipalities' efforts to improve water supply.
“Seventy-five municipalities are set to receive P13.33 million through the Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (SAFPB) program by the two agencies, which would be taken from a P1-billion fund set aside by DBM,’’ ULAP noted.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman explained that the program is "designed to help improve water supply and sanitation through the construction, expansion, and upgrading of water supply system projects identified through local participatory budgeting process."
Cua asserted that the program is crucial as the country "faces increased challenges due to El Niño."
"The funding is a much-needed leg-up for lower income class LGUs who do not have enough capacity to address their water requirements," he added.
The ULAP chief pointed out that “clean water is necessary in ensuring public health and preventing the outbreak of disease. We hope that through this program, the issue of water security will be fully addressed.”
Previously, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. said that 455 municipalities in the country face water insecurity.