President Marcos Addresses Rice Price Concerns, Asserts Global ImpactPhilippine Lawmaker Urges Mandatory Rainwater Collection Systems to Combat Climate Effects

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addressed concerns over the rising prices of rice, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond the Philippines and affects the entire Asian region. This statement came in response to inquiries submitted through Bahay Ugnayan, a venue for public engagement within the Malacañang compound.

According to Philippines News Agency, the increase in rice prices is a global challenge, not unique to the Philippines. In a vlog posted on YouTube, Marcos highlighted that even rice-exporting countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, are experiencing similar price surges. He attributed these increases to external factors like oil price fluctuations, which have impacted the region as a whole.

President Marcos reassured the public that the government is actively working to ensure an adequate rice supply and to stabilize prices. Efforts include enhancing domestic production to reduce the need for imports and minimizing production costs for farmers, aiming to make rice more affordable for Filipino consumers.

The President’s engagement with the public also covered a range of other topics, from the jeepney modernization program to the role of politics in serving the people. Marcos stressed the importance of politics being a tool for public service, not for the benefit of individuals or specific groups. He encouraged the youth to critically engage with political issues, emphasizing the value of understanding different perspectives in a landscape often cluttered with misinformation.

On the topic of transportation, Marcos clarified that the government does not intend to phase out traditional jeepneys but seeks to modernize the fleet to enhance environmental sustainability and improve earnings for drivers. He highlighted the benefits of transitioning to electric jeepneys, including reduced operational costs and a positive impact on climate change efforts.

President Marcos’s dialogue with the public, facilitated by Bahay Ugnayan, reflects his administration’s approach to addressing national issues directly and engaging in transparent communication with the Filipino people.

SURIGAO DEL NORTE – Representative Robert Ace Barbers from Surigao del Norte has called for the passage of a bill that mandates the installation of rainwater collection systems (RCS) in new buildings across the Philippines, particularly in urban and densely populated areas. This legislative push, represented by House Bill No. 4837, was initiated over a year ago and seeks to address water supply challenges exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon and reduce flooding during La Niña periods.

According to Philippines News Agency, the bill aims to leverage rainwater collection as a proactive measure against the increasingly severe weather conditions attributed to climate change. The proposed RCS would capture, retain, and store rainwater from buildings and other impervious surfaces for later use, a practice already common in rural areas of the country where water supply is limited. However, Barbers noted that urban areas have largely overlooked the potential of rainwater collection due to the reliable water services provided by companies like Maynilad and Manila Water.

With El Niño causing significant evaporation and depletion of dam water levels, and all dams reported to be below normal high water levels as of Sunday morning, the urgency for alternative water sourcing and conservation measures has become more pronounced. The San Roque dam, in particular, has recorded a significant deviation from its normal water level, highlighting the critical state of water reserves.

HB 4837 stipulates that new residential, commercial, and institutional buildings must include RCS in their building plans, with local government units and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board required to deny construction permits to projects lacking such systems. Furthermore, the Department of Public Works and Highways is tasked with installing RCS in new government buildings and overseeing their water filtration and purification to ensure safety for drinking purposes.

The bill also proposes incentives and penalties to encourage compliance. Property owners who install RCS would be eligible for a 10 percent tax credit on their total real property tax, capped at PHP10,000, while those failing to comply could face fines ranging from PHP100,000 to PHP500,000 annually. Government officers or employees violating the act’s provisions could be suspended for up to 180 days following an administrative hearing.

As of now, HB 4837 remains under review by the House Committee on Public Works and Highways since its initial reading on September 19, 2022.