City gov’t pushes rainwater harvesting facilities in barangays
By Mary Joy Cavañas
The Iloilo City Government, in partnership with Signpost Philippines, Inc., signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of Rainwater Harvesting Facilities on October 13, 2025.
Mayor Raisa Treñas led the MOA signing along with Signpost Philippines Director Febie Ibojos and was also attended by representatives from the recipient barangays. This aims to provide Ilonggos with accessible clean water and to address climate change challenges such as rising temperatures and long dry seasons.
The said initiative will benefit six city barangays that were prioritized based on the city’s Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), wherein they are frequently affected by limited access to potable water. These include Tabuc Suba and Bito-on in Jaro District; Hinactacan in La Paz; Hibao-an Sur and Navais in Mandurriao; and Monica-Blumentritt in City Proper.
Based on the MOA, the city government will provide funds and supervise the project, while barangays will provide land and manage the facility operations.
Each facility has a water filtration system which could last up to 10 years, providing affordable potable water to residents that costs around Php8 to Php10 per gallon.
Treñas highlighted that the city government is investing in solutions for community-led sustainable facilities to build resilience. She also expressed plans of extending the project to public schools across the city.
According to Ms. Donna Magno, chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the project addresses multiple concerns—climate change, gender and development, and disaster preparedness. She also noted that these facilities can also serve as a vital water source in case of fire and as a local economic enterprise for the barangay.
On behalf of the project recipients, Brgy. Captain Joel Jabonillo of Tabuc Suba expressed gratitude to Mayor Raisa Treñas and Signpost Philippines, Inc. for the said initiative, providing sustainable and cost-effective source of clean water.
Currently, 17 rainwater harvesting facilities have been established across targeted barangays in Iloilo City in which six of them have completed training on facility use and management with the support of the Signpost Philippines. With the six mentioned, three facilities are now operational and are located in Barangays Monica-Blumentritt in City Proper, along with Tabuc Suba, and Bito-on in Jaro. (via Iloilo City Government)
