A proposed ordinance institutionalizing the regular monitoring of water refilling stations in Catanduanes has been filed at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In a privilege speech last week, PBM Joseph L. Mendoza said that the proposal seeks to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water as a basic right of every Catandunganon in the light of the fact that almost all residents now depend on water refilling stations and bottled water for their water consumption.
He assured that the measure does not seek to unduly burden refilling stations but is targeted at establishing a regular and institutionalized monitoring system that will protect both the consumers and legitimate businesses.
Thru the ordinance, the mandate of Municipal Health Offices and their sanitary inspectors to implement regular monitoring and periodic laboratory testing based on the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water will be strengthened, he said.
In the capital town of Virac where there are more than 50 water refilling stations, the Water Refilling Inspection Team is supposed to monitor the operation of such businesses.
Composed of two LGU sanitary inspectors, the administrator of the Philippine Red Cross Catanduanes Chapter, the general manager of the Virac Water District and a representative of the Provincial Health Office, the team is tasked with visiting the water refilling stations, initiating regular collection and analysis of water samples, evaluate laboratory results as to compliance with standards, conduct regular or immediate sanitary survey in case of a potential contamination, and institute remedial measures to correct the deficiency of the water system.
The team was created in 2022 through an Executive Order of then Mayor Samuel V. Laynes upon the recommendation of the Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee (LDWQMC).
The creation and operationalization of the committee by the LGU is mandated under Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2014-0027 declaring the development and implementation of Water Safety Plan (WSP) by all drinking water service providers as a national policy for drinking water quality management.
The LGU, through the committee, monitors the WSP implementation of drinking water service providers, including water districts and water refilling stations.
On the other hand, the Virac Water District issues annual certifications to water refilling stations which source water from the VIWAD’s pipelines.
In 2025, 44 such businesses paid P1,000 each for the certification that is supposed to be displayed at the place of business to assure consumers that the water passing through the filters comes from the water district.
Water refilling stations which get their water from deep wells are not issued the certification, VIWAD stated.