College of Engineering and Technology

Department of Agricultural
and Biosystems Engineering
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, PHILIPPINES
Telephone: (053) 525 -0140 local 1015
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vsu.edu.p h

ABEn 176 – Land and Water Conservation Engineering

2nd Semester, AY 2023 – 2024

Personal Engineering Journal No. 1

PERSONAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ON LAND AND WATER
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Name: TRIBUNALO, LORMELYN O. Date Submitted: 07 February 2024

Course & Year: BSABE 4

Water Resources in the Philippines: An Overview of its Uses, Management, Problems and
Prospects.
Edward Lapong & Masayuki Fujihara

Edward Lapong & Masayuki Fujihara (2008) Water Resources in the Philippines: An Overview of
its Uses, Management, Problems and Prospects. Journal of Rainwater Catchment Systems 14(1):
57-67, DOI: 10.7132/jrcsa.KJ00004978343

Water is a precious resource that sustains life. Water sustains life in our planet, it is not just
for quenching our thirst, not just for nurturing crops and not just for providing habitats. Water
affects many processes and forms, that is why almost everything here in the world are
interconnected with water and its attributes.

The Philippines endowed with an abundance of natural resources, has an estimated 130
km³ of annual internal water resource. However, with such and abundant potential supply, the
nation nevertheless faces serious water related problems.

The Philippines has abundant water resources having endowed with 59 lakes and 421 river
basins with drainage area ranging from 40 to 25,649 km². From among the principal river basins,18
was identified as major river basins with drainage areas of at least1,400 km²; while the other smaller
river basin an area of at least 50 km². Moreover, there are 1, OOO km² of freshwater swamps. The
country is also underlain by extensive groundwater reservoir (aquifer) covering approximately 50,
OOO km² with an estimated storage capacity of about 251 km². There are fumoir groundwater
reservoirs which comprises 67% of the total. Groundwater supply is approximately 20 km³/year
or about 14% of the total water resources potential. Of this, 80% would constitute the base flow
of the river systems which forms a basic part of the surface water. The data from the World Bank
(2004) reveals that the country`s freshwater use is jus 11% of the total water resources and its total
water withdrawals as percentage of actual renewable water resources is just 13.3%. However,
despite the numbers, Philippines ranks low in terms of freshwater availability per capita at 1,907
m³, compared with the average of7,405 m³ worldwide and 3,668m³ in Asia.
Vision:
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative
technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
ABEn 176 | Personal Engineering Journal No. 1 Page 2 of 4

According to the article, in 2000, the water exploitation index or the total water use as a
percentage of the total renewable water resources is just approximately 7%. This percentage tends
to suggest that the need to manage water use and conserve water resources is not a pressing
concern, However, the reality is that there is a decline in per capita water availability in the country.
Moreover, the Philippine freshwater ecosystems faces severe problems of pollution and the costs
of supplying potable water are rising. The Bank Water Sector (as cited in BSWM, 2005) believed
that the causes of water scarcity involve sweater availability limitations, depletion of groundwater
resources, defalcation of freshwater sources, and the increasing cost of new water source
development. Failures in management and institutions are emphasized as the key issues or main
problems in the study. The poor freshwater availability per capita is a result of both the weak
institutional framework and the fragmented water governance sector. Even with the efforts made
to solve these issues, finding a balance between the supply and demand of water is still a critical
issue. The report emphasizes how urgent it is to protect this essential resource and asks for all-
encompassing solutions.

As we transition from one era to another, water resources challenges increase abruptly. Its
decreasing supply is having an adverse effect on communities, ecosystems, and the next generation.
Managing water resource and water conservation is not an issue before but, that was back then in
the early year of 2000s, we can say that people or the community in those years don`t feel the need
of conserving water because it is abundant in most areas of their community. In today`s time,
water issues are getting more challenging, not just about the concerning depletion of the water
supply, water management, but also the water`s quality and its safety in the purpose as human`s
vital source of life. I choose this article because I firmly believe that the water resources
management problems and emerging issues stated in the article are relevant up to this date and
that in today`s time, the most critical role of us humanity is om how we address the serious problem
of water conservation and efficient management.

According to Barba (2004), the challenges in effectively managing the water resources of
the country are the failure to adopt an integrated, holistic approach in addressing the inherently
interrelated issues development and management. David (2000) and Lansigan (2006), mentioned
that the major constraints and challenges in promoting effective water resources management are:
a.) fragmented management and weak institutional framework, b.) lack of water allocation formula,
c.) weak water use regulation and enforcement, d.) outdated framework plan and research. Any
nation that wants to manage its water resources well must have a comprehensive, integrated
strategy. One major barrier is the lack of an equal and transparent water allocation methodology.
Efforts towards sustainable water management are undermined by the likelihood of disputes over
water rights and access arising in the absence of established criteria for allocating water among
competing users. To reduce these disputes and guarantee the wise use of water resources, equitable
allocation systems that are founded on the concepts of efficiency, sustainability, and equity must
be developed and put into place. Also, with the use of new emerging technology, innovations,
designs, and systems, precise water consumption, most especially in the agricultural sector can be
implemented. The problems with water resource management are made worse by lax enforcement
of water use regulations. Overexploitation, degradation, and unequal distribution of water
resources can be made worse by lax enforcement of laws and rules pertaining to water extraction,
pollution management, and conservation. It is crucial to reinforce regulatory frameworks and
improve enforcement mechanisms to maintain water governance standards and protect the
integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Barba (2004) emphasizes that a major obstacle to resolving the

Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation Mission:
Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative
technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
ABEn 176 | Personal Engineering Journal No. 1 Page 3 of 4

complex problems associated with the development and management of water resources is the
rejection of such an approach. Barba's claim highlights the complex interactions between several
water management components, such as demand management, pollution control, planning and
execution for development and management, and protection of groundwater and watersheds.
Insufficient comprehension of these interrelated elements could lead to fragmented strategies and
inconsistent behaviors, which would be detrimental to attempts to manage water resources.

The current situation in the country reflects a systematic mismatch between the country`s
water supply and increasing demand, which is reflected in the current water crisis. It is imperative
that water resources management and development be strengthened in a more integrated and
comprehensive way to successfully handle these concerns. Water management is a vital resource
that needs to be managed sustainably, considering the demands of current and future generations.
To achieve sustainable water management, participatory planning and management are essential
components. Furthermore, recommendations on strategies like enlisting the commercial sector
and forming community-based groups can aid in directing funds and knowledge in the direction
of sustainable water management techniques. Initiatives aimed at increasing capacity are also
essential for enabling regional groups and communities to actively participate in the governance
of water resources. To improve their ability to carry out their missions effectively, regulatory
authorities such as the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) need to be strengthened and
regionalized.

In summary, tackling the issues surrounding the management of water resources

necessitates a thorough and well-coordinated approach that places an emphasis on sustainability,
inclusivity, and efficient governance. The nation can endeavor to guarantee water security and
resilience for the present and future generations by embracing participatory techniques, adopting
new emerging controlled and precise systems, fortifying regulatory frameworks, and implementing
integrated management strategies.

Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation Mission:
Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative
technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
ABEn 176 | Personal Engineering Journal No. 1 Page 4 of 4

References:

LAPONG, E. & FUJIHARA, M., 2008. Water Resources in the Philippines: An Overview of its
Uses, Management, Problems and Prospects. Journal of Rainwater Catchment Systems
14(1): 57-67, DOI: 10.7132/jrcsa.KJ00004978343

BARBA P.F. 2004. The Challenges in Water Resources Management in the Philippines, NWRB,
Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved from [http:tlwww.wrrc.dpri,kyoto-u.acjp (Accessed
2007- 11-15)

BSWM. 2005. ):Win-win Water Management Approach in the Philippines In: Towards a
Watershed-Based Water Resources Management, Bureau of Soil and Water
Management,Philippines. From [http:ffwww.bswm.da.gov,ph(Accessed 2007-11-16)

DAVID, W.P. 2000. Shallow Tube Well Irrigation Theory and Practice, University of the
Philippines Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, 145 p.

LANSIGAN, F.P. 2006. Water Security and the Environment: Challenging Issues for Growing
Cities of Asia, A paper proceeding of the GWSP-Asia Second Meeting. Guangzhou,
China.pp.2 1-34

Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation Mission:
Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative
technologies for sustainable communities and environment.