QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan directed the heads of Regional and District Engineering Offices to submit a list of proposed beneficiaries for the construction of Rainwater Collectors System (RWCS) in public facilities within their respective jurisdiction.

“The rainy season and the threat of El Niño increase the demand to build disaster-resilient infrastructure that will be beneficial in harvesting rainwater intended for agriculture, commercial, and domestic use,” said Bonoan.

According to DPWH, a total amount of ₱582.9 million has been allocated this year for the construction of RWCS nationwide which is included in the agency’s INFRAgenda 2028 or the Performance Governance System (PGS) Strategic Plan for 2023–2028 that aims to deliver three (3) outputs including the protection of lives and properties from natural disasters.

The RWCS will be provided for government schools and offices, public markets, and rural health facilities to mitigate the effects of climate change on water supply and flooding.

“Using the list of proposed beneficiaries, we will be able to determine the total serving population that will be benefited by the project and reduce the daily burden of people in areas with physical water scarcity,” added Secretary Bonoan.

The proposed funds that will be released are as follows: ₱28.02 Million for the National Capital Region (NCR), ₱30.83 Million for Ilocos Region, ₱36.43 Million for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), ₱33.63 Million for Cagayan Valley Region, ₱44.84 Million for Central Luzon Region, ₱47.64 Million for CALABARZON, ₱25.22 Million for MIMAROPA, ₱47.64 Million each for Bicol Region and Western Visayas, ₱44.84 Million for Central Visayas, ₱42.04 Million for Eastern Visayas, ₱30.83 Million for Zamboanga Peninsula, ₱39.23 Million for Northern Mindanao, ₱30.83 Million for Davao Region, ₱25.22 Million for SOCCSKSARGEN, and ₱28.02 Million for Caraga. (DPWH/PIA-NCR)