Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH (20'") CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

247

House Bill No.

Introduced by
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL_

ANACT
RATIONALIZING THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF THE WATER SECTOR,
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER, IRRIGATION, SEWAGE, AND
SANITATION, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to rationalize the water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation resource
management, including water rights, through the creation of the Department of Water,
Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation Resource Management.

The Philippines is a water rich country, yet despite an overflowing capital, many Filipinos
experience deprivation from affordable, safe drinking water and a working sanitation
system. This perennial problem has seriously affected the lives of our citizens in terms of
health, sanitation, food security, and livelihood, in addition to negatively impacting the
environment.

According to the World Bank (2015), the annual available water volume per capita in the
country is twice that of Asia and six times the global scarcity threshold. Yet, many of our
people are deprived of efficient access to affordable, safe, and reliable potable water and
to proper sanitation services. This is because the governance and maintenance of our
water resources remains fragmented and uncoordinated. To date, there are over 30
government agencies at both the national and local levels implementing separate and
disharmonized policies, plans, and programs to develop and operate water facilities and
related infrastructure for various uses, and to regulate water use, monitor water-related
financial and technical parameters, and set water tariff.

The Philippines is lacking a strong liquid in-liquid out system, meaning that even if
households are serviced with clean drinking water, a minute number receive adequate
sanitation and sewerage services, leading to severe cases of leptospirosis, dengue,


typhoid, and related tropical and water-borne illnesses. This year alone there has been a
16% increase in cases of dengue fever over the same period last year.
Moreover, 31% of illnesses in the country are water-related.

The Water Resources Management Act of 2012 seeks to rationalize the resource
management of water, sewage, and sanitation through the creation of the Department of
Water, Sewage, and Sanitation ("Department"). Among its functions. the Department shall
(1) set the policy for water supply and sewage and septage management; (2) manage the
country's water resources to ensure optimal use, including the preservation of land and
water, (3) build, maintain, and/or monitor water-related infrastructure to ensure quality and
accessibility: and (4) contribute to intemational dialogue around, and push for domestic
adoption of. policies to achieve universal access to water and sanitation.

To live in a community that is clean, free from human waste, and abundant with safe and
affordable drinking water is an utmost human right, so much so that 189 states recognized
the Right to Water and Sanitation at the United Nations in 2011, according to the World
Water Forum.

The bill proposes to create the Department of Water, Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation
Resource Management to serve as the primary agency responsible for national policy-
making, coordination, and management of all the water resources in the Philippines. All
government agencies related to water shall be rationalized under this Department.
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) shall be adopted as the strategic
framework for water management policy-making and planning in the country. IWRM
promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related
fesources in order to maximize economic and social welfare in an equitable manner
without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems and the environment.

Through these measures, the State underscores the benefit of this most fundamental
human right, ensuring that the same is primarily upheld.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill i earnestly sought.

Rep. ROBERT NAZAL
Bagong Henerasyon Party-List


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Mania

TWENTIETH (20°) CONGRESS:
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Bill No. 247

Introduced by
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL_

AN ACT
RATIONALIZING THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF THE WATER SECTOR,
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER, IRRIGATION, SEWAGE, AND
SANITATION, 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;

ARTICLE |
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act shall be known as the “Department of Water, Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation
Resource Management Act of 2025.”

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;


B. To strengthen and coordinate water resource planning and policymaking 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;

C. 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;

D. To coordinate and strengthen policy and planning in relation to flood control and
flood risk management in order to plan against, prevent, and reduce the detrimental
and catastrophic effects of flood waters; and

E. To secure for all public works the highest efficiency and the most appropriate quality
in construction and to plan, design, construct, and maintain infrastructure facilities
in accordance with national development objectives.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

‘A. Department - refers the Department of Water, Irrigation, Sewage, and Sanitation
Resource Management

B. _ Sanitation - refers to the 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,
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

ARTICLE Il
ORGANIZATION

SECTION 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF WATER, IRRIGATION,
SEWAGE, AND SANITATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

This Act creates and establishes 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 a comprehensive
water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation program for the Philippines including, but not
limited to:

A. Implementing necessary policy and resource reforms with respect to 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. Formulating a national updated road map to address the water, sewage, and
sanitation requirements of the State; and

D. 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 govemment 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;


Manage the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development,
conservation and protection of water resources and rights to land related thereto
and their competing demands;

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;

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;

Conduct continuing surveys and studies of the country's renewable water supply
with a view towards formulation 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;

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 ground water, including national standards for drinking
water and wastewater effluence in coordination with relevant agencies;

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 |WRM plans;

Effect and compel inter-sectoral, inter-agency, and inter-departmental coordination
on water, irrigation, energy, environmental, sewage, and sanitation resources
development planning with the aim of operationalizing the integrated approach
water resources management;

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;

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;

Coordinate with other relevant government agencies and develop policies and plans
in respect of water resources for farming, including sustainable mechanisms for
irrigation;


Pass upon, approval or disapproval of 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 direct or indirect impact on the
affected locality’s water resources;

Review from time-to-time regulations prescribed by any government agency
pertaining to water use, exploitation, development conservation, or protection of
waters, water resources, and watershed or basin areas;

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, for the
purpose of conducting hydrologic surveys and investigations, including assessing
and evaluating the conditions of water facilities installed and determining
compliance with water laws and standards;

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 a certification of integration of water,
sewage, and sanitation resource management plan has been issued by the
Department. Should the Department have serious concems affecting 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 concems, 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 a written 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;

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;

Plan, design, construct, and/or improve all types of irrigation projects and
appurtenant structures;

Operate, maintain, and administer all national irrigation systems (NIS);
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;


BB.

ce.

DD.

EE.

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;

Delegate the partial or full management of NIS to duly organized cooperatives or
associations;

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;

Charge and collect from the beneficiaries of the water from all irrigation systems
constructed by under its administration;

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;

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; aa) In
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 in accordance with approved government plans and
specifications;

Assist other government agencies, including LGUs, in determining the most suitable
entity to undertake the actual construction of water, irrigation, sewage, and
sanitation projects;

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;

Provide integrated planning for flood control, flood risk management, and water
resource development and management systems, other public works;

Issue and promulgate rules, regulations, and guidelines as may be necessary to
implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act;


FF. 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;

GG. Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer
interests;

HH. Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector to assist in the
performance of any of the powers and functions of the Department;

1. Appoint, hire, and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers, and/or
consultants, with suitable qualifications and experience as necessary;

JJ. Manage funds coursed through it under General Appropriations Act intended as
financial assistance to LWDs or LGUs for the development and/or improvement of
water supply and sanitation facilities;

KK. 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;

LL. Exercise such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to attain
the objectives of this Act; and

MM. 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, IRRIGATION,
‘SEWAGE, AND SANITATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

The authority and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and
for 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 pursuant
to the President's guidelines;

C. Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out Department objectives,
policies, and functions;


D. Exercise supervision and contro! over all Bureaus and Offices under the
Department;

E. Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with 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:

A. One (1) for the Finance Service;

B. One (1) for the Administrative Service;

C. One (1) for the Planning and Engineering Services;

D. One (1) for the Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services; and
E. One (1) 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 three (3) Assistant

10


Secretaries likewise appointed by the President of the Philippine upon the
recommendation of the Secretary.

SECTION 10. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.
The Department shall be composed of the following organization 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 11. INTERNAL AUDIT.

The Internal Audit is hereby created for the purpose of conducting 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 as to 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 12. FINANCE SERVICE.

The Finance Service 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:

1


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 in
accordance with the existing government accounting and auditing rules and
regulations;

D. Aid 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

—. 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. 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, 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, for the purpose of developing or
upgrading the system;

2


F. Secure and maintain necessary Department facilities, and develop, establish, and
maintain an efficient and effective security system covering, among others
personnel physical installation, equipment documents and materials including the
conduct of security investigations;

G. Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more efficient conduct
of administrative processes;

H. Develop, establish and maintain an efficient records system;

|. Provide 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 14. 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 integrate 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;

13


F. Evaluate and appraise all regional interregional infrastructure development plans
and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approved strategies and
Jong 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;

1. 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 15. 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 RWAs, 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 of administrative
charges against officers and employees of the Department members of the top
management of the attached corporations and boards;

D. Conduct 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 staffs of Regional Offices;

14


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, and tariffs;

G. Review all water rates or charges;

H. Manage the financial assistance available and granted to LWDS, RWAs and other
qualified water utilities.

SECTION 16. 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;

mn

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 17. 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

ARTICLE Ill
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SECTION 18. 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 with
respect to the conservation of water resources, protection from sewage and septage
waste, and restoration from environment 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 on the development of evaluation criteria, as necessary, to determine
proper allocation of public works projects between the two departments.

D. The Department shall absorb the responsibility from the Department of Interior and

Local Government (DILG) on the management and operation of water supply
systems of local government units.

16


SECTION 19. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.

The Department, shall by virtue of 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
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 in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
SECTION 20. 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 21. FUNDING.

The sum of 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 their employees to the
Office of the President for approval.

SECTION 22. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE.

If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions not
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

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SECTION 23. REPEALING CLAUSE.

All laws, executive orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, and other issuances or parts
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SECTION 24. EFFECTIVITY.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in the Official
Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,