Senate Moves to Establish Department of Water Resources Amid Growing Concerns

MANILA – A majority of senators have expressed support for Senate Bill No. 2771, or the National Water Resources Act, aimed at creating the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to streamline and enhance water resource management in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, one of the 22 senators endorsing the committee report on the bill, the proposed Department of Water Resources will serve as the primary entity for policy, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and administration concerning the country’s water resources. The DWR will focus on sustainable, climate-resilient management and the optimal allocation and use of water for various purposes including domestic supply, irrigation, and flood management.

The legislation, a priority measure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., also proposes the establishment of the Water Regulatory Commission. This independent, quasi-judicial body will regulate all water service providers, both private and public, ensuring efficient and equitable water distribution.

Senator Grace Poe, who sponsored the bill during Monday’s plenary session, highlighted that the bill was the result of five years of research, consultations, and discussions involving various stakeholders from the water sector, finance and management experts, private sector representatives, and technical water experts from overseas. Poe emphasized the goal of achieving universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply, alongside improved sewerage and sanitation services.

“This bill is particularly vital for the 40 million Filipinos who currently lack access to formal water supply,” Poe stated. She also noted the need for better coordination and data-sharing among the various government offices involved in water management, pointing out that currently, at least 45 executive agencies across 15 departments handle water-related functions, often with overlapping and sometimes conflicting roles.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Poe referenced a United Nations report on the imminent global water crisis and data from the World Resources Institute, which places the Philippines at significant risk of water shortages by 2040. “We must act now before it is too late,” she urged.