Marcos calls for improved water agency bill

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has directed government agencies to enhance the bill aimed at establishing a water agency to ensure access to clean water for all Filipinos.

Marcos gave the directive during a sectoral meeting on the Department of Water Resources bill on Feb. 25 at Malacañang.

“I’ve instructed government agencies to refine the Department of Water Resources bill to create a clear and effective framework that cuts inefficiencies, strengthens regulation and ensures clean, reliable water for every Filipino,” the President said in a Facebook post.

In a separate post, Radio Television Malacañang said that the National Economic and Development Authority had urged Marcos to certify the measure as urgent.

The bill creating a water agency was among the priority measures mentioned by the President during his second State of the Nation Address in 2023.

While awaiting the enactment of the measure, Marcos issued Executive Order No. 22 creating the Water Resources Management Office, a body tasked to consolidate government efforts for the sustainable management of water resources.

“To avert a water crisis; minimize and avoid conflicts and consistent with the state’s sole ownership; and control over the country’s water resources, it is imperative for the government to integrate and harmonize the policies, programs and projects of all relevant agencies in the water resource sector in the fulfillment of their complementary government mandates,” the order read.

The office’s tasks include ensuring the prompt implementation of the integrated water resources management plan, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and developing a water resources master plan. It was also directed to advocate for the passage of a law establishing the water department.