TACLOBAN CITY — The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure creating the Department of Water Resources (DWR), a move hailed by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez as a “major victory for every Filipino family.”
The National Water Resources Act (House Bill 9663) was passed with 254 votes in favor and three against, aiming to establish a unified framework for national water resource management.
In a statement, Romualdez said, “This is a major victory for every Filipino family! I am proud to announce that the House has officially passed House Bill No. 6789 on its third and final reading. This is one of our priority measures because we believe our fellow Filipinos should no longer experience difficulties in water supply. Through the creation of the Department of Water Resources, we can unify management to ensure sufficient, clean, and affordable water from cities to rural areas.”
He added, “We don’t just identify problems; we provide legislative solutions. For a more prosperous and water-secure Philippines, our service continues.”
The DWR will be the primary government agency responsible for the comprehensive identification, mapping, planning, policy-making, and management of all water resources. The department is also expected to address urban flooding by providing a structured framework for storm water and drainage systems.
Romualdez noted that the law aligns with the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who emphasized in his July 25 State of the Nation Address (SONA), “Preserving water is a priority. We need to manage our water resources properly.” The bill is also listed among the priorities of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
The creation of the DWR is seen as a landmark reform to improve access to clean water, enhance water security, and strengthen resilience against climate-related challenges across the Philippines.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
