Push to create Department of Water Resources revived at House
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Push to create Department of Water Resources revived at House
Residents of Barangay 165 in Pasay City stock up on delivered water from a mobile tanker on March 5, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Residents of Barangay 165 in Pasay City stock up on delivered water from a mobile tanker on March 5, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — At least two members of the House of Representatives are pushing for the creation of a Department of Water Resources, saying a new agency is needed to address the "fragmented and uncoordinated" management of water.
MANILA — At least two members of the House of Representatives are pushing for the creation of a Department of Water Resources, saying a new agency is needed to address the "fragmented and uncoordinated" management of water.
Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Keith Flores and Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcelino Teodoro have either already filed bills or plan to.
Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Keith Flores and Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcelino Teodoro have either already filed bills or plan to.
The House approved a similar proposal on third and final reading in the 19th Congress.
The House approved a similar proposal on third and final reading in the 19th Congress.
“I was the chair of the Committee on Government Reorganization (back then). Kaso, hindi naaksyunan ng Senate (But the Senate did not act on it). So, I'm refiling it again," Rep. Flores said.
“I was the chair of the Committee on Government Reorganization (back then). Kaso, hindi naaksyunan ng Senate (But the Senate did not act on it). So, I'm refiling it again," Rep. Flores said.
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Flores said he expects the new agency to study how rainwater collected during the typhoon season could be maximized and used for irrigation and tourism.
Flores said he expects the new agency to study how rainwater collected during the typhoon season could be maximized and used for irrigation and tourism.
Meanwhile, Teodoro called the present system of governance and maintenance of water resources “fragmented and uncoordinated.”
Meanwhile, Teodoro called the present system of governance and maintenance of water resources “fragmented and uncoordinated.”
ONE AGENCY TO OVERSEE WATER MATTERS
Over 30 government agencies implement policies and programs to do with water resources, Teodoro pointed out in his version of the bill.
Over 30 government agencies implement policies and programs to do with water resources, Teodoro pointed out in his version of the bill.
Teodoro filed House Bill 1252 on Thursday, July 3, in hopes of creating a “primary agency responsible for national policy-making, coordination, and management of all the water resources in the Philippines.”
Teodoro filed House Bill 1252 on Thursday, July 3, in hopes of creating a “primary agency responsible for national policy-making, coordination, and management of all the water resources in the Philippines.”
According to Teodoro, all government bodies with water-related tasks will be brought under the department to “reduce duplication and ensure long-term planning.”
According to Teodoro, all government bodies with water-related tasks will be brought under the department to “reduce duplication and ensure long-term planning.”
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“Many of our people are deprived of efficient access to affordable, safe, and reliable potable water and to proper sanitation services. This is because the governance and maintenance of our water resources remains fragmented and uncoordinated,” the bill’s explanatory note reads.
“Many of our people are deprived of efficient access to affordable, safe, and reliable potable water and to proper sanitation services. This is because the governance and maintenance of our water resources remains fragmented and uncoordinated,” the bill’s explanatory note reads.
On Friday, Malacañang disclosed that the Local Water Utilities Administration had found that the number of joint venture agreements entered into by Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Inc. increased when LWUA was attached to the Department of Public Works and Highways.
On Friday, Malacañang disclosed that the Local Water Utilities Administration had found that the number of joint venture agreements entered into by Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Inc. increased when LWUA was attached to the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Sen. Mark Villar was DPWH secretary then.
Sen. Mark Villar was DPWH secretary then.
This was discovered through a government probe following complaints on service issues.
This was discovered through a government probe following complaints on service issues.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the increase was recorded in 2019.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the increase was recorded in 2019.
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The LWUA said their initial investigation also studied claims on possible irregularities in the deals.
The LWUA said their initial investigation also studied claims on possible irregularities in the deals.
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