The state of water resources in the Philippines - Greenpeace

heavy precipitation events, which can increase runoff in most areas as well as
groundwater recharge in some floodplains.
Occurrences of extreme climatic events like droughts and floods have serious
negative implications for major water reservoirs in the country as well, as shown
in a study conducted in five major reservoirs in Luzon and one reservoir in
Mindanao (Crisis and Opportunity).
More cold, La Niña-type episodes were observed during the 70s, while the 80s
and 90s were characterized by the occurrence of four strong, warm periods
(1982-83, 1986-87, 1991-92 and the 1997-98 El Nino events) causing consistent
negative anomalies of rainfall and inflow.
The expected climate changes that could affect rainfall distribution will ultimately
affect runoff to rivers and lakes. On the other hand, decrease in runoff because
of frequent drought episodes, would mean more serious problems in water
availability.
IV. Legal and policy framework relating to water quality control, use and
management
A. Policies pertaining to water use and management
One of the earliest attempts at systematic management of water has been the
adoption of a National Water Code in 1976 Presidential Decree 1067 (1976)
(EMB, Philippine Country Assessment, p. 3).
According to this report, the Code defines the following:
1. the basic principles and structural framework relating to appropriation,
control, conservation, and protection of water resources to achieve their
optimum development and efficient use to meet present and future needs;
2. the scope of the rights and obligations of water users and provides for the
protection and regulation of such rights; and
3. the necessary administrative machinery.
Other related laws are outlined in Table 5 (next page).
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