The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday said it would build more rainwater collectors systems (RWCs) nationwide as the wet season and El Niño near.

In a statement, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said it’s high time to provide RWCs in public facilities to help mitigate the impact of climate threats.

“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,” he said.

The RWCs are expected to aid the country in managing challenges on water supply and flooding.

Bonoan, meanwhile, ordered all the Regional and District Engineering Offices to secure the list of proposed beneficiaries of RWC.

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

A PHP582.9-million fund has been allocated for RWCs throughout the country this year, under the DPWH’s INFRAgenda 2028.

Among the regions, areas with the highest allocations include Calabarzon, Bicol, and Western Visayas with PHP47.64 million each; followed by Central Luzon and Central Visayas with PHP44.84 million each; and PHP42.04 million for Eastern Visayas.

The budget for the remaining regions ranges from PHP25.22 million to PHP39.23 million each. (PNA)