February 29, 2020

FORMER Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez is eyeing for the creation of the Provincial Water Council that will handle the gaps and shortfalls of some national government agencies and local governments on water management.

Benitez who is currently the consultant of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Economic Development and Investments said that we cannot standstill and there is a need for the province to have an active role and should be the lead actor to manage the province’s water resources.

While the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is in charge of the watershed protection, water management and approval for the use of water but it cannot handle everything so the need for a water council, Benitez said.

The province through the water council should take a lead role and collaborate with the national government agencies.

Benitez expressed the plan during the closing of the first water summit Friday, February 28.

During the summit, a pledge of commitment was made by the participants to unite in the determination to find and create solutions to address emerging issues on water.

“We, local government officials, representatives of government agencies and members of the civil society, hereby pleged our commitment to pursue the necessary reforms in national and local policy and programming, and strengthen investments to ensure sufficient, safe and affordable water for all Negrosanons,” the pledge stated. (TDE)