MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will revive its directive requiring golf courses in Metro Manila to conserve water as the government steps up efforts to address declining water resources.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said Monday, October 5, that the agency would reissue its 2024 directive requiring 13 golf courses in the National Capital Region (NCR) to use recycled water in maintaining their greens and fairways.
“Actually, hindi lang po sila, uulitin po ‘yung directive po na ‘yun. Pero ‘yung ibang bagay na pwedeng gagawin ng ating mga mamamayan, magbibigay rin tayo ng directive doon,” Cuna said during a Palace briefing.
Cuna stressed that water conservation should extend beyond golf courses, urging Filipinos to reduce unnecessary consumption at home and in other daily activities.
“We have to conserve water,” Cuna said. “Hindi po pwedeng business as usual.”
He specifically called on the public to avoid excessive water use for activities such as washing vehicles, cleaning driveways and maintaining swimming pools.
“Kailangan po, every individual, lahat ng mamamayan, gawin natin ang part natin by conserving water,” he said.
“‘Yung mga unnecessary na paggamit po ng carwash, pagbabasa ng ating mga driveway, ‘yung mga swimming pool po, mga unnecessary po ‘yan at this time.”
The DENR chief also encouraged households to collect rainwater and reuse available water whenever possible, particularly for watering plants and other non-potable purposes.
“Isa pang pwedeng gawin para makatulong ang mamamayan, in their own way, mag-ipon po ng tubig. Rainwater harvesting po, ito ay matagal na pong pinag-uusapan,” he said.
“Sayang po ang natatapon na tubig. Recycling din ng tubig din po, kung may kailangan mag-dilig ay gumamit po ng recycled water or ‘yung gray water na sinasabi.”
Cuna added that the DENR would coordinate with local government units (LGUs) to support the implementation and enforcement of water conservation measures in their respective areas.
The renewed directive follows the DENR’s 2024 issuance of Bulletin No. 4, which was released amid the El Niño phenomenon and concerns over the continued decline in the water level of Angat Dam, a major source of water for Metro Manila.
The agency’s latest move seeks to reinforce water-saving practices among businesses, local governments and households as authorities continue to monitor the country’s water supply situation.