BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte — The local government of Butuan City is pushing for the mandatory collection of rainwater as part of a broader strategy to address the city’s persistent flooding problem. The proposal is embedded in a newly filed ordinance currently being deliberated at the City Council.

Authored by Butuan City Councilor Marlon Labis, the measure seeks to require households and establishments to implement rainwater harvesting systems. According to Labis, the proposal has long been under study as a dual-purpose response to two of the city’s pressing concerns: recurring floods and limited access to clean water supply.

Flooding has been a long-standing issue in Butuan, especially during heavy rains when drainage systems are overwhelmed. By promoting rainwater collection, the ordinance aims to reduce surface runoff that typically flows into streets and waterways. At the same time, harvested rainwater could serve as an alternative source for non-potable uses such as cleaning, irrigation, and flushing—potentially easing demand on the city’s treated water supply.

However, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions from residents. Supporters argue that rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and environmentally sound practice already implemented in many cities worldwide. They believe it could serve as a long-term, community-driven solution that empowers households to be part of flood mitigation efforts.

Critics, on the other hand, question whether collecting rainwater at the household level would significantly reduce large-scale flooding. Some have even ridiculed the idea, suggesting that the root causes of flooding—such as clogged drainage systems, inadequate infrastructure, and urban planning gaps—require more comprehensive solutions.

From a broader perspective, the debate highlights a familiar challenge in local governance: balancing innovative environmental solutions with practical implementation realities. Rainwater harvesting may not be a standalone cure for flooding, but it could be one component of a multi-layered strategy that includes infrastructure upgrades, stricter zoning enforcement, and improved waste management.

The question now is not simply whether rainwater harvesting can work—but whether the city is prepared to integrate it into a wider, sustained flood control framework. So, is this ordinance a forward-thinking environmental reform—or a well-meaning policy that needs stronger complementary measures to truly make an impact? (Larawan mula sa: Flows To Bay / Google)