Rainwater harvesting gives Iloilo City housing community a buffer against water shortages

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 17, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PNA

For families in a housing community in Barangay Calumpang, Iloilo City, collecting rainwater has become a practical way to secure their daily water supply and prepare for possible shortages during the anticipated El Niño conditions.

More than 30 households belonging to the Kapisanan Bayanihan Laban sa Kahirapan Homeowners Association now benefit from a rainwater harvesting project that provides an alternative to their previous reliance on deep wells.

Sonia Cadornigara, regional coordinator of the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines Inc., said the community previously struggled with limited water sources. During summer, water from their wells becomes salty because their homes are near the Batiano River.

The residents had also faced eviction threats while living on private property in three barangays. Through community savings and assistance from Vincentian priests, they eventually acquired a foreclosed property where they could establish their homes.

The water project was made possible through the Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative, supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation and implemented by Catholic Relief Services, with the Homeless People’s Federation helping carry out the project at the community level. Architects from the Technical Assistance Movement for People and Environment Inc. provided technical support.

Under the initiative, 27 water tanks equipped with filters were distributed to households. Each tank can store up to 1,000 liters of rainwater.

As part of their participation, residents were required to repair their roofs and stop extracting water from their deep wells. Cadornigara said the households are now using the collected rainwater instead.

The tanks are also expected to serve as a reserve if the city government implements water rationing amid forecasts of strong to very strong El Niño conditions, which could bring prolonged dry periods and put additional pressure on water supplies.

For the community, the project demonstrates how household-level conservation can help address water insecurity, particularly in areas where access to reliable sources remains a challenge.

Cadornigara said wider adoption of rainwater harvesting, when supported by proper guidance and resources, could help communities conserve water and prepare for periods of scarcity.