The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Philippine government’s independent cabinet-level agency for economic development and planning, announced that the bill creating the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is targeted for passage before the end of the 19th Congress.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan highlighted the critical role of the DWR in addressing the country's challenges in flood management and agricultural productivity. By unifying governance and regulation of water resources, the proposed department aims to enhance the nation’s water security.
“The recurring devastation caused by heavy typhoons necessitates that we prepare for our country’s future and safety,” said Balisacan. “The DWR will be mandated to coordinate with relevant agencies on the construction of water projects, which will improve our irrigation and flood management systems.”
The creation of the DWR, along with a Water Regulatory Commission, is one of the top priorities under the LEDAC Common Legislative Agenda (CLA), a set of measures identified as critical for advancing national development.
Strategic importance of the DWR
The establishment of the DWR is seen as a key step in addressing the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. By centralizing water resource management, the agency will streamline the implementation of vital infrastructure projects, including irrigation systems and flood control initiatives.
The bill will establish a central agency to efficiently manage and develop the country’s water resources, addressing issues such as the current institutional fragmentation of the sector.
