By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Former Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, who currently serves as Negros Occidental consultant for investment and economic enterprise, suggested the creation of a Provincial Water Council that will handle gaps and shortfalls by national government agencies and local governments on water management.
“We cannot stand still,” the former lawmaker said following the Provincial Water Summit at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City. “There is a need for the province to have an active role and should be the lead actor to manage the province’s water resources.”
“While the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is in charge of watershed protection, water management, and approval for the use of water, it cannot handle everything,” he added.
During the summit, a pledge of commitment was signed by participants, which comprised of representatives from water districts across the province, to seek out solutions to address emerging water issues./DGB, WDJ