Senator JV Ejercito will be filing a bill seeking to establish a new government department that will oversee all water-related concerns in the Philippines. The proposed measure aims to unify and streamline the responsibilities of various agencies currently handling water supply, sanitation, flood control, irrigation, and watershed protection.
Ejercito said consolidating these functions under one department will eliminate overlapping mandates and improve coordination among offices such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), and local water districts.
He explained that the fragmented setup of existing agencies has led to delays in project implementation and inefficiencies in responding to disasters and water shortages. The creation of a unified department, he said, would help address these gaps and ensure a more coordinated and accountable approach to water governance.
Under the proposed measure, the department will be tasked with formulating and implementing national water policies, regulating private water providers, managing watersheds, and overseeing programs for flood mitigation and drought response. Ejercito emphasized that a centralized agency would allow for more comprehensive planning and long-term development of the country’s water infrastructure.
He added that the bill will be filed before the end of 2025 after consultations with local government units, affected agencies, and industry stakeholders to refine its scope and structure.
Once established, the new department will serve as the primary authority responsible for the sustainable management of the country’s water resources, ensuring reliable access to clean water and stronger preparedness for climate-related challenges.
