Roundtable Discussion on Philippine Water Sector Policy Note with DEPDev

Water is a vital resource for the Philippines in supporting economic growth, food production, public health, and disaster resilience. However, the water sector remains fragmented, with over 30 government agencies involved, often with overlapping roles. This has led to problems such as poor coordination, inefficient services, and a lack of long-term planning. These issues are made worse by climate change, rapid population growth, and urbanization.

To address these challenges, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) released a Policy Note recommending the creation of a Department of Water Resources (DWR) and a Water Regulatory Commission (WRC). These new institutions aim to streamline governance, improve planning, and strengthen regulation. The DWR would lead in policy and development planning, while the WRC would ensure fair pricing, quality services, and environmental compliance.

This event will serve as a platform to discuss the key points of the Policy Note, examine current…