Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER, IRRIGATION, SEWAGE, AND 
SANITATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to ensure sustainable, fair, and efficient use and allocation of water irrigation, 
sewage, and sanitation resources through the creation of the Department of Water Irrigation, 
Sewage, e, and Sanitation Resource Management.  
The Philippines, as an archipelagic country, is surrounded by numerous bodies of water. It is 
considered abundant in water resources “having been endowed with 59 lakes and 421 river 
basins with drainage area ranging from 40 to 25,649 sq. km.1” Considering this, the country 
should have an adequate supply for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. However, 
with the water shortage brought about by the worsening effects of climate change and 
subsequent worsening of the El Niño season the state must account for the country’s water 
resources and address the growing problem of the country’s water supply. 
Presently, the management of our water resources involves numerous government agencies, 
namely: 
a) National Water Resources Board (NWRB), a government agency responsible for the
enforcement of the Water Code of the Philippines which is under the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
b) Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), a government-owned and controlled
corporation (GOCC) attached to the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH) and has regulatory powers over:
1) all local water districts (LWDs); and
2) rural waterworks and sanitation associations (RWSAs) nationwide;
c) Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a GOCC also attached to the
DPWH, which is responsible for the water supply and sanitation in Metropolitan Manila
and such contiguous areas as may be added to its area of jurisdiction, and;
1 Lapong, E. & Fujihara M. 2008. Water Resources in the Philippines: An Overview of its Uses, Management, Problems, and 
Prospects. Journal of Rainwater Catchment Systems.  
August 23, 2022
2:27 pm
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d) National Irrigation Administration (NIA), a government agency under the Office of the
President primarily responsible for irrigation development and management.
Under the policy of the state to recognize, protect, realize, and enhance the right of all Filipinos 
to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible drinking water, sanitation, and irrigation, it is the 
government must streamline the management of these resources. The creation of the 
Department of Water Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation Resource, Management shall address 
the challenges arising from the fragmented, overlapping, and uncoordinated management of 
these resources which are presently lodged with various agencies.   
The water crisis which hit Metro Manila in early 2019 was a wake-up call for all of us. It 
showed us how inconvenient life can be without a stable supply of water. People were waiting 
in lines just to get a bucket of this basic necessity. Without water, many of our constituents 
had difficulty continuing with their daily routine. It became difficult for many to work and 
study. It is high time we create a department tasked to ensure our people never experience 
the same inconvenience again.  
I acknowledge House Bill No. 9176 filed by Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua during the 17th Congress 
upon which this proposed measure was based. I thank Representative Cua for all the good he 
had done for our country. I hope my inputs in this measure do justice to the version initially 
filed by the former Representative.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
    2nd District, Parañaque City


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER, IRRIGATION, SEWAGE, AND 
SANITATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
CHAPTER 1 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Department of Water, Irrigation, 
Sewage, and Sanitation Resource Management Act". 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
recognize, protect, realize, and enhance the right of all Filipinos to safe, clean, affordable, and 
accessible drinking water, sanitation, and irrigation as essential to the full enjoyment of life 
and all human rights and the protection and sustainability of the environment. 
In pursuit of said policy, this Act shall have the following objectives: 
a)
To prioritize and pursue the immediate attainment of universal access to safe,
adequate, and sustainable water supply and sanitation services for all Filipinos and
adopt all necessary measures directed towards the realization of the human right to
water and sanitation; and
b)
To strengthen and coordinate water resource planning and policy-making to ensure
sustainable and fair allocation and efficient use of water resources between
competing water uses and users, including but not limited to domestic and municipal
use, irrigation, power generation, farming, fisheries, commercial, and industrial use.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby 
defined: 
a)
Department refers to the Department of Water, Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation
Resource Management.
b)
Sanitation refers to sewage, sanitation, and septage management.
c)
Sewerage refers to any system or network of sanitary pipelines, ditches, channels,
or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations, and force mains, service
connections including other constructions, devices, or appliances appurtenant
thereof, which includes the collection, sanitary piping transport, pumping, and
treatment of water-borne human or animal waste removed from residences,
4057


buildings, institutions, and industrial and commercial establishments to point of 
sewage treatment plant disposal. 
d) 
Sewage refers to water-carried waste in solution or suspension, including sanitary 
waste (waste products of normal living), commercial waste, industrial waste, 
agricultural waste, and surface runoff, conveyed by a sewerage system for treatment 
or disposal. For purposes of this Act, the definition of septage shall be included in 
the use of sewage. 
e) 
Septage refers to sludge produced on individual on-site wastewater disposal 
systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools. 
 
The terms "infrastructure" and "public works" as used in this Act should be ready to apply 
only to wholly or primarily water-related projects and shall not be read to incorporate projects 
which would not otherwise fall within the purview of the objectives, powers, and duties of the 
Department. 
 
CHAPTER II 
ORGANIZATION 
 
SECTION 4. The Department of Water, Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation 
Resource Management - There is hereby created and established the Department of Water, 
Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation Resource Management, hereinafter referred to as the 
"Department", which shall be organized within one hundred twenty (120) days after the 
effectivity of this Act. The Department shall be tasked with developing and implementing 
comprehensive water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation program for the Philippines including, 
but not limited to: 
 
a) 
Implementing necessary policy and resource reforms concerning the management 
of water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation; 
b) 
Monitoring and evaluating compliance with the national goals relating to water, 
irrigation, sewage, and sanitation; 
c) 
Ensuring a stable and constant water supply across the  Philippines;  
d) 
Formulating and implementing a national updated road map to address the water, 
sewage, and sanitation requirements of the Philippines; and 
e) 
Improving conservation of water and increasing system efficiencies. 
 
SECTION 5. Powers and Duties of the Department. - The Department shall have 
the following powers and duties, among others: 
 
a) 
Develop policies to promote universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and 
sustainable water supply, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation services for all Filipinos; 
b) 
Coordinate with relevant government agencies or entities to provide policy directions, 
strategies, and targets to meet the goals and objectives for water supply, irrigation, 
sewage, and sanitation. Such policies shall, among other things, integrate the issues 
of water, irrigation, sewer, energy, environment, and food security; 
c) 
Manage and protect the country's water resources to ensure the optimal use thereof 
for domestic water supply, sewage, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, navigation, 
flood control, and recreation, including the enhancement and maintenance of water 
quality, conservation of watersheds, control of water pollution, and environmental 
restoration, without compromising the natural ecosystem functions and services; 
d) 
Manage the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, 
conservation, and protection of water resources and rights to land-related thereto 
and their competing demands; 


e) 
Undertake and coordinate with other agencies and government entities in data 
gathering, scientific research, and studies on water resources management and 
development, and conduct nationwide hydrologic surveys to determine the annual 
renewable water available per water region; 
f) 
Formulate and enforce rules and regulations in the administration and management 
of the country's water resources and implement rules and guidelines for the 
enforcement of water-related laws; 
g) 
Conduct continuing surveys and studies of the country's renewable water supply with 
a view toward the formulation of long-term policies to balance the sustainability and 
optimal use of water resources, defining the hydrologic boundaries of basins of the 
existing water supply sources, and creating and implementing countrywide master 
plans for water resources management and development; 
h) 
Coordinate with and assist other government agencies in all aspects of data 
gathering, conduct studies and research, and classify and establish water quality 
standards for surface and groundwater, including national standards for drinking 
water and wastewater effluence in coordination with relevant agencies; 
i) 
Coordinate with other relevant agencies to engage in flood control and flood risk 
management, formulate integrated water resources management (IWRM) policies 
and plans, and coordinate the implementation, promotion, revision, and 
enhancement of IWRM plans; 
j) 
Effect and compel inter-sectoral, inter-agency, and inter-departmental coordination 
on water, irrigation, energy, environmental, sewage, and sanitation resources 
development planning to operationalize the integrated approach to water resources 
management; 
k) 
Regulate and control the utilization, exploitation, abstraction, diversion, and 
development of water resources, taking into its equitable distribution, and determine 
the standards of beneficial and priority uses of water in times of crisis and national 
emergencies; 
l) 
Assist and provide the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) with 
required data and inputs from and for the water sector in the formulation of the 
country's short-term and long-term strategic development plans and actions; 
m) 
Coordinate with other relevant government agencies and develop policies and plans 
in respect of water resources for farming, including sustainable mechanisms for 
irrigation; 
n) 
Pass upon, approve, or disapprove all plans, programs, or development projects of 
private individuals, corporations, and government agencies, whether national or 
local, that affect water resources, its diversion or abstraction, and the construction 
of hydraulic facilities, including but not limited to plans and projects in watershed or 
basin areas of water supply sources, which have a direct or indirect impact on the 
affected locality's water resources; 
o) 
Review from time-to-time regulations prescribed by any government agency or 
instrumentality about water use, exploitation, development, conservation, or 
protection of waters, water resources, and watershed or basin areas; 
p) 
Authorize its representatives or any deputized agent to enter any property of public 
dominion or any private land, building, or enclave, whether inhabited or not, to 
conduct hydrologic surveys and investigations, including assessing and evaluating 
the conditions of water facilities installed and determining compliance with water 
laws and standards; 
q) 
Require Local Government Units (LGUs) and national agencies to submit zoning and 
land use management plans to ensure the integration of water resource 
management plans; Provided, that no zoning and land use plan shall become 
effective and enforceable unless and until certification of integration of water, 


sewage, and sanitation resource management plan has been issued by the 
Department. Should the Department have serious concerns affecting the 
conservation and sustainability of water supply, such concerns must first be resolved 
by the Department and the concerned LGU and/or national agency. However, in the 
absence of such concerns, the concerned LGU and/or government agency may, 
ninety (90) days from the submission of its zoning and land use plan and after 
submitting to the Department wrote notice of compliance with this provision, proceed 
with the implementation of its zoning and land use plan without prejudice to later 
integration of the water resource management plan for the locality; 
r) 
Provide technical assistance to water, irrigation, sewer, and sanitation users, whether 
directly or in coordination with other agencies, to assist them in applying for water 
and irrigation permits and providing data on water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation 
resource usage; 
s) 
Plan, design, construct, and/or improve all types of irrigation projects and 
appurtenant structures; 
t) 
Operate, maintain, and administer all national irrigation systems (NIS); 
u) 
Supervise the operation, maintenance, and repair, or otherwise, administer 
temporarily all communal and pump irrigation systems constructed, improved, 
and/or repaired wholly or partially with government funds; 
v) 
Supervise the operation, maintenance, and repair, or otherwise, administer 
temporarily all communal and pump irrigation systems constructed, improved, 
and/or repaired wholly or partially with government funds; 
w) 
Delegate the partial or full management of NIS to duly organized cooperatives or 
associations; 
x) 
Construct multiple-purpose water resources projects designed primarily for irrigation, 
and secondarily for hydraulic power development and/or other uses such as flood 
control, drainage, land reclamation, domestic water supply, roads, and highway 
construction, and reforestation, among others, Provided, that the plans, designs, and 
the construction thereof, shall be undertaken in coordination with the agencies 
concerned; 
y) 
Charge and collect from the beneficiaries the water from all irrigation systems 
constructed by er its administration; 
z) 
In coordination with other relevant government agencies, develop and implement 
effective codes, standards, and reasonable guidelines to ensure the safety of all 
public and private structures in the country and assure efficiency and proper quality 
in the construction of water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation infrastructures; 
 
aa) Coordinate with relevant government agencies, including the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources, to ensure that the agencies' respective 
standards complement each other when taken as part of a larger whole;  
bb) ln coordination with other relevant agencies, ascertain that all plans and project 
implementation designs are consistent with current standards and guidelines; 
cc) 
Provide the works supervision function for all public works construction and ensure 
that actual construction is done by approved government plans and specifications; 
dd) Assist other government agencies, including LGUs, in determining the most suitable 
entity to undertake the actual construction of water, irrigation, sewage, and 
sanitation projects; 
ee) Maintain and cause to be maintained all flood control, water resource development 
systems, irrigation systems, and other public works throughout the country except 
those that are the responsibility of other agencies as directed by the President of the 
Philippines or as provided by law; 


ff) 
Provide integrated planning for flood control, flood risk management, and water 
resource development and management systems, other public works;  
gg) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations, and guidelines as may be necessary to 
implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act;  
hh) Determine and require the monitoring and submission of such data, statistics, and 
other information as may be necessary for the effective and efficient exercise of its 
duties, functions, powers, and responsibilities; 
ii) 
Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer 
interests; 
jj) 
Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the 
performance of any of the powers and functions of the Department; 
kk) 
Appoint, hire, and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers, and/or 
consultants, with suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary; 
ll) 
Manage funds coursed through it under the General Appropriations Act intended as 
financial assistance to LWDs or LGUs for the development and/or improvement of 
water supply and sanitation facilities; 
mm) Exercise such other powers and functions necessary or incidental to the effective 
administration and management of the country's water, irrigation, sewage, and 
sanitation resources; 
nn) Exercise such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to  
attain the objectives of this Act; and  
oo) Carry such other functions as the President may from time to time assign to the 
Department consistent with the aims and provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 6. Secretary of the Department of Water, Sewage, and Sanitation. -The 
authority and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and the 
discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary of the Department of 
Water, Sewage and Sanitation, hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, who shall have 
supervision and control over the Department and shall be appointed by the President. For 
such purposes, the Secretary shall: 
 
a) 
Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative orders, 
regulations, proclamations, and other issuances relative to matters under the 
jurisdiction of the Department; 
b) 
Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department under the 
President's guidelines; 
c) 
Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out Department objectives, 
policies, and functions; 
d) 
Exercise supervision and control over all Bureaus and Offices under the Department; 
e) 
Supervise all attached agencies and corporations by law; 
f) 
As deemed appropriate by the Secretary, delegate authority for the performance of 
any power or function, as defined herein or as delegated by the President, to officers 
and employees under his direction; and 
g) 
Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be provided by law. 
 
SECTION 7. Office of the Secretary -The Office of the Secretary shall be composed 
of the Secretary and his immediate staff. 
 
SECTION 8. Undersecretaries. -The Secretary shall be assisted by not more than five (5) 
Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the 
Secretary, as follows: 
 


1. One for the Finance Service; 
2. One for the Administrative Service; 
3. One for the Planning and Engineering Services; 
4. One for the Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services; and 
5. One for the Operations. 
 
Within her/his functional area of responsibility, an Undersecretary shall have the 
following functions: 
 
a) 
Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of Department 
policies, plans, programs, and projects; 
b) 
Supervise all the operational activities of the units assigned to her/him, for which 
she/he is responsible to the Secretary; and 
c) 
Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by 
the Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public 
services or as may be required by law. 
 
SECTION 9. Assistant Secretaries. -The Secretary shall also be assisted by one Assistant 
Secretary for Internal Audit and the five (5) Undersecretaries shall each be assisted by not 
more than two (2) Assistant Secretaries each likewise appointed by the President of the 
Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary.  
 
SECTION 10. Qualifications. - No person shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary, or 
Assistant Secretary of the Department unless he or she is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident 
of the Philippines at least 6 months before his/her appointment, of good moral character, of 
proven integrity, and with at least two (2) years of experience or exposure or study in any of 
the following fields:  
 
a) Water Resource Management; 
b) Water Sanitation; 
c) Water Irrigation; 
d) Water Distribution; 
e) Sewage Construction/Maintenance; 
f) Public Works;  
g) Flood Control 
h) Finance; 
i) Management; 
j) Audit; 
k) Accounting; 
l) Engineering;  
m) Operations; 
n) Law; 
o) Government Service; 
p) Business; 
q) Economics; 
r) Chemistry 
s) Marine Science; or  
t) Natural Resource Management  
SECTION 11. Organizational Structure. -The Department shall be composed of the 
following organizational units: 
 


a) 
Department Proper consisting of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the 
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Internal Audit, Finance Service, 
Administrative Service, Planning and Engineering Services, Regulatory and Financial 
Assistance Services; and Operations; and 
b) 
Regional Offices, as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Secretary. 
 
SECTION 12. Internal Audit. -The Internal Audit is hereby created to conduct a 
comprehensive audit of various Department activities and shall have the following specific 
functions: 
 
a) 
Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to management control and operations 
audit; 
b) 
Conduct management and operations performance audit of Department activities 
and units and determine compliance with established objectives, policies, methods 
and procedures, government regulations, and contractual obligations of the 
Department; 
c) 
Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets 
management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, and performance 
standards of the Department of Proper and Regional Offices; 
d) 
Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top management to solve 
problems by recommending realistic courses of action; and 
e) 
Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or 
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law. 
 
SECTION 13. Finance Service. - The Finance Services is hereby created to provide the 
Department with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, budget, 
cash, accounting, and all financial matters not falling under other Services. For such purposes, 
it shall have the following functions: 
 
a) 
Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the accounting of government 
expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, project finances, and 
financial systems and procedures; 
b) 
Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, undertake 
budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to the proper 
offices; 
c) 
Develop and maintain accounting, financial, and assets management systems, 
procedures, and practices in the Department Proper and Regional Offices by the 
existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations; 
d) 
Assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Department and, when 
requested, to government corporations, councils, and boards attached to the 
Department; and 
e) 
Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or 
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law. 
 
SECTION 14. Administrative Service. - The Administrative Service is hereby created to 
provide the Department with services relating to human resources development, personnel 
records, facilities maintenance, medical and dental, gender and development (GAD), security, 
property, and procurement services. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions: 
 
a) 
Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to internal administration and human 
resources management; 


b) 
Prepare and implement an integrated personnel plan that shall include provisions on 
merit promotion, performance evaluation, job rotation, suggestions and incentive 
awards systems, and health and welfare services; 
c) 
Provide services related to human resource training, education, and development, 
including manpower, career planning, and forecasting, and development of 
indigenous training materials; 
d) 
Prepare and/or implement Department GAD plans and budgets and GAD 
accomplishment reports; 
e) 
Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and cost-effective property 
procurement system and facilities and coordinate or otherwise interface with relevant 
agencies, whether government or private, to develop or upgrade the system; 
f) 
Secure and maintain necessary Department facilities, and develop, establish, and 
maintain an efficient and effective security system covering, among others, 
personnel, physical installations, equipment, documents, and materials, including the 
conduct of security investigations; 
g) 
Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for the more efficient conduct 
of administrative processes; 
h) 
Develop, establish and maintain an efficient records system; 
i) 
Assistance in its area of specialization to the Department Proper and Regional Offices 
and, when requested, the government agencies and corporations attached to the 
Department; and 
j) 
Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or 
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law. 
 
 
SECTION 15. Planning and Engineering Services. -The Planning and Engineering 
Services is hereby created to provide the Department with the capability to undertake 
infrastructure development planning, programming, and implementation. For this purpose, it 
shall have the following functions: 
 
a) 
Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to infrastructure planning and 
implementation; 
b) 
Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development consistent with 
national development objectives and initiate or undertake relevant surveys for 
development planning; 
c) 
Formulate and implement long-range, medium-term, and annual development plans 
and programs for infrastructure, including flood control, water resource development 
systems, and other public works projects, including phasing of implementation and 
review and integrating land use plans with such water development plans; 
d) 
Identify and implement priority packages for infrastructure development, including 
flood control, water resource development systems, and other public works projects, 
and undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of feasibility studies and project 
preparation and implementation thereof; 
e) 
Prioritize project implementation and the allocation of funds and other resources and 
package project proposals for funding and implementation; 
f) 
Evaluate and appraise all regional interregional infrastructure development plans and 
programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approved strategies and long 
and medium-term plans; 
g) 
Initiate regular Department-wide planning exercises and act as the secretariat 
thereof 
h) 
Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and information; 


i) 
Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other Services and 
Regional Offices as needed; and 
j) 
Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or 
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law. 
 
SECTION 16. Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services. -The Regulatory and 
Financial Assistance Services is hereby created to provide the Department with services on all 
legal affairs, compliance of attached government corporations, LWDs, RWSAs, cooperatives, 
and other associations, including private entities under contractual or concession arrangement 
with them, and other private water service providers on the established standards, rules and 
regulations relating to water quality; infrastructure and facilities design and construction; 
equipment, materials, and supplies; operations and maintenance; personnel; organization; 
accounting; tariffs; and other matters subject to regulation. It shall also provide the 
Department services on the management of the financial assistance available and granted to 
LWDs and RWSAs. For this purpose, it shall have the following functions: 
 
a) 
Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal affairs and regulation of the 
operation of the attached corporations; LWDs RWSAs, cooperatives, and other 
associations; 
b) 
Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper and Regional Offices and, when 
requested, the attached corporations and boards; 
c) 
Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review administrative charges 
against officers and employees of the Department, members of the top management 
of the attached corporations and boards; 
d) Conduct the administrative investigation as well as the review of administrative 
charges against officers and employees of the Department, members of the top 
management of the attached corporations and boards; 
e) 
Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staff of Regional Offices; 
f) 
Establish standards for: water quality; design and construction of facilities; optimum 
selection of equipment, materials, and supplies; procedures for operations and 
maintenance of water and sewer equipment and facilities; training of personnel; 
organization; uniform accounting system; tariffs; 
g) Review all water rates or charges; 
h) Manage the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs, RWSAs, and other 
qualified water utilities. 
 
SECTION 17. Operations. - The Operations is hereby created to provide the Department 
through Regional Offices with the capability to plan, design, and implement projects for water 
resource development systems, irrigation, flood control, and other public works in different 
regions of the country. For this purpose, it shall have the following functions: 
 
a) 
Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, construction, and works supervision 
functions of the Department for the abovementioned infrastructure within the region; 
b) 
Undertake the maintenance of the abovementioned infrastructure within the region 
and supervise the maintenance of such local infrastructure receiving national 
government financial assistance as the Secretary may determine; 
c) 
Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules, and regulations 
regarding the abovementioned infrastructure as well as public and private physical 
structures; 
d) 
Provide technical assistance related to their functions to other agencies within the 
region; 


e) 
Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions, and organizations within 
the region, in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects; 
f) 
Conduct continuing consultations with the local communicates, take appropriate 
measures to make the services of the Department responsive to the needs of the 
general public, compile and submit such information to the central office, and 
recommend such appropriate actions as may be necessary; and 
g) 
Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or 
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law. 
 
SECTION 18. Regional Director. - Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional 
Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the duties and 
responsibilities of the Regional Office. She/he shall also perform such other related duties and 
responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by 
law.  
The Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Regional Directors who shall 
exercise supervision respectively over (1) the planning, project design, evaluation, and 
technical assistance functions of the Regional Office, and (2) the construction, maintenance, 
and works supervision functions in the region.  
 
CHAPTER III 
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 19. Interface with Other Sector Regulators. - The Department is mandated 
to coordinate with the different sector regulators as follows: 
 
a) 
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall continue to 
have the primary authority and responsibility for protecting the environment and for 
the conservation of water and related natural resources, including protecting water 
bodies from waste and pollution, and shall promulgate rules, regulates, and 
standards in this regard. The Department shall coordinate with the DENR concerning 
the conservation of water resources, protection from sewage and septage waste, 
and restoration from environmental damage. 
 
b) The Department of Health (DOH) shall have primary authority and responsibility for 
determining and enforcing drinking water quality and sanitation standards. The 
Department shall coordinate with the DOH to achieve an integrated approach for 
sanitation, including toilets, collection, treatment, and evaluation of wastewater. 
 
c) The Department shall subsume responsibility from the Department of Public Works 
and Highways (DPWH) for wholly or primarily water-related public works projects 
including flood control, water resources development, sewerage, sanitation, and the 
harnessing and impounding of water. The Secretaries of each department shall 
coordinate the development of evaluation criteria, as necessary, to determine the 
proper allocation of public works projects between the two departments. 
 
d) The Department shall absorb the responsibility of the Department of Interior and 
Local Government (DILG) for the management and operation of water supply 
systems of local government units. 
 
SECTION 20. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. - The Department, shall by this Act, 
be subrogated to all the rights, and assume all the obligations of the relevant parts of any 
government agency or unit whose powers and duties have been transferred to the 


Department, including the DPWH, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Water 
Resources Board (NWRB), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Local 
Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the 
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).  
 
The transfer of powers and functions in Section 18 above, as applicable, and agencies attached 
thereto, as herein provided for, shall take effect within one hundred eighty (180) days after 
the effectivity of this Act. The foregoing transfer of powers and functions shall include all 
applicable funds, personnel, records, property, and equipment, as may be necessary. All 
offices shall continue to function under their present mandates until the transition is affected 
as provided for under this Act.  
 
All rights and obligations of said government agencies are hereby transferred to and assumed 
by the Department and shall be acted upon by the rules and regulations of the Commission 
on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SECTION 21. Separation from Service. - Employees separated from government service 
as a result of this Act shall be entitled to the benefits that they may receive under existing 
laws, rules, and regulations.  
 
SECTION 22. Funding. - The sum of 5 billion Pesos shall be set aside from any available 
funds of the National Treasury and is hereby appropriated and authorized to be released, for 
the organization of the Department and its initial operations.  
Thereafter, funds sufficient to fully carry out the objectives, powers, and functions of the 
Department shall be appropriated every fiscal year in the General Appropriations Act. 
 
The Department shall submit its annual budget, which shall include, among others, detailed 
information on the compensation and benefits received by its employees to the Office of the 
President for approval. 
 
SECTION 23. Separability Clause. -If any provisions or part thereof, is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
 
SECTION 24. Repealing Clause. -Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with 
the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 25. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.  
 
Approved,