P10M groundwater recharge facility expected to solve Baguio’s water woes

Baguio City, Philippines – A project to solve water shortage and reduce flooding incidents in Baguio City will soon be established following the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement involving three government agencies this Monday, August 9, 2021.

These include the Department of Science and Technology- Cordillera (DOST-CAR), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baguio City and the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-ERDB).

The project which is an artificial groundwater recharge facility by DOST-CAR is seen not only to impact the state of Research and Development in dealing with natural calamities in the region, but also in “protecting the lives, livelihoods and natural resources in the Cordilleras as well as recognizing the pivotal role of water on regional socio-economic development and environmental preservation.”

The project, according to DOST-CAR amounts to P10 million. This is part of the agency’s “Program Boondock: A Mountain Engineering Center towards Sustainable Infrastructure and Upland Water Security.” This is seen to help replenish aquifers, a body of rock and/or sediment that holds groundwater serving as source of freshwater for urban areas and agricultural irrigation.

Of the total amount, DOST-CAR said that P7.5 million shall be funded by the DOST Science for Change Program (S4CP) Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for Research and Development, while the City government of Baguio allocates P2.5 million as counterpart.

Meanwhile, DOST-CAR for its role shall be working with the Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC), one of the Research Centers of the DENR-ERDB to offer technical assistance and carry out related activities which results to the efficient implementation and improvement of the project.

Present during the ceremonial signing are Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, WWRRDEC Center Head Helen Maddumba and Baguio City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio de la Peña.

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