Governance

established in Pavia, San Miguel, Alimodian, Oton, and Iloilo City and four in Bacolod City. Data collection on water level and water quality from these wells was conducted by the NWRB to monitor the trend of groundwater level and quality in the areas. Still there is a need to conduct for other major river basins like Ilog-Hilabangan and Bago River in Negros Occidental so longterm solutions can be found.

Border restrictions hindered the deployment of technical personnel in maintenance of

waterworks systems. Water utility operators were faced with strict border controls as they deployed their technical personnel and other workers for the operation and maintenance of their waterworks systems. Likewise, it also hampered the flow of supplies, chemicals, pumps, tools, equipment and other instruments or implements used in the day-to-day operation.

The National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB) issued Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2020 for Unimpeded/Unhindered Access or Movement of Water Utilities Personnel and Regulators. This was to allow free passage in the conduct of repair and maintenance of water systems provided that proper documentation was presented to the authorities.

Steady supply of water and concessions were made by water districts to consumers. During the ECQ, steady water supply to establishments and individual households was ensured. Water districts, like Metro Iloilo Water District, ensured the steady supply of water to hospitals, quarantine facilities, establishments and households. For areas without water supply within or outside the respective areas of water districts, water tankers were deployed. As actual reading of meters was not conducted, statements of account of consumers were not issued and consumers were provided with 30-day grace period to pay their bills.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases issued Resolution No. 25 adopting a national government-enabled, local government unit-led, and people-centered response to the COVID-19 health crisis. IATF Resolution No. 25 mandated the local government units (LGUs) to lead the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in their respective areas. As frontliners, LGUs are expected to take on greater role in the COVID-19 pandemic, at the start of the pandemic and until the transition to a New Normal situation. They bear the responsibility of delivering public services, including nationally-funded programs for health and social safety nets, enforcing the community quarantine directives, and maintaining the uninterrupted flow of essential personnel, goods and services in their localities.

LGUs tapped available sources of funds they could utilize to quickly respond to the crisis.

The funds were utilized for response actions that include purchase of relief goods, PPEs, payment of hazard pay to frontline workers, etc. to mitigate the impact of COVID 19 in their respective communities. Of the 6 provinces and 133 cities and municipalities, 122 utilized their 30 percent quick response funds while some realigned their funds to address COVID-19 concerns. A total of 47 LGUs realigned their 20 percent development fund while 27 realigned their regular budget and 28 utilized funds from their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) budget.