Senator Grace Poe Calls for Private Sector Collaboration in Water Management

MANILA – Senator Grace Poe has urged the private sector to collaborate with the government in addressing the challenges of sustainable water management and ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation in the Philippines. In her statement on Friday, Poe emphasized the necessity of a combined effort involving the government, private sector, civil society, and community-based organizations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Poe pointed out that a significant number of Filipino families lack access to improved sources of drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hand-washing facilities. Citing a study by the National Economic and Development Authority, she highlighted the concern that the water availability per person in the Philippines is nearing the ‘water scarcity’ threshold. Poe reiterated her call for the establishment of a Department of Water Resources to address the country’s fragmented approach to water management. She emphasized the need for a regulatory authority to ensure efficient allocation and fair pricing of water services. The senator also underscored the importance of water in maintaining human dignity and called for collective action to achieve sustainable water management. Senate Bill 102, filed by Poe, which advocates for the creation of a new agency responsible for comprehensive and integrated development and management of water resources in the Philippines, is currently pending at the committee level.