Camarines Sur Representatives Migz and Luigi Villafuerte have called on senators to pass the measure creating the Department of Water Resources (DWR), which the House of Representatives approved last year.
“We are appealing to our senators to consider passing this 2026 their version of an integrated legal framework for the sustainable development, responsible use, conservation, and protection of our country’s water resources,” Luigi said.
He noted that ASEAN’s Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) identified fragmented responsibilities, lack of science-based data, and inadequate infrastructure as key challenges worsened by “rapid population growth, uncontrolled urbanization, environmental degradation, and the worsening effects of climate change.”
“Ultimately, many of the country’s current water-related laws and frameworks are outdated and fail to address today’s current realities,” Luigi added. “Rural and low-income communities often bear the brunt. With over 113 million people, a large number of Filipinos still struggle to access safe and dependable water.”
The proposed National Water Resources Management Act (HB 6789) was passed by the House in December with a 264-7 vote. The bill attaches agencies such as MWSS, NIA, LLDA, NWRB, and LWUA to the new department, along with water-related units under DENR and DILG.
Migz Villafuerte said the “proposed DWR bill aims to ensure fair access to safe and affordable water, ensure efficient allocation and regulation, and strengthen the resilience of water systems against climate risks and natural disasters.”
“Water is a limited yet essential resource that not only sustains life but also drives economic development and helps maintain ecological balance. Unfortunately, water is often taken for granted, and the Philippines is facing significant challenges in managing, distributing, and safeguarding its water resources,” he added.
The measure is among the 44 Common Legislative Agenda bills identified as priorities by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and leaders of the 20th Congress.
The Villafuertes, along with Representatives Hori Horibata and Terry Ridon, authored HB 1557, one of several measures consolidated into HB 6789.