Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____________ 
Introduced by: 
HONORABLE KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
Representative, 1st District, Zamboanga City 
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 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. 
Water is a basic human need and access to safe and clean drinking water is a basic human 
right as recognized by the United Nations. As a national water crisis looms according to a study 
by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Philippines' National Water Resources 
Board and all major cities of the Philippines have been foreseen to all suffer from water shortage 
by 2025, it is only imperative and necessary to take a much needed affirmative action to prevent 
this catastrophe1. 
The present set-up for water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation responsibilities of the 
government involves, among others, the following major government agencies: 
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;
d)
National Irrigation Administration (NIA), a government agency under the Office
of the President primarily responsible for irrigation development and management.
1 Explanatory Note of SB 208 authored by Senator Francis Tolentino during the 18th Congress entitled: AN ACT 
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES which was filed on 2 July 2019 
July 25, 2022
8:00 am
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This bill, therefore, seeks to create the Department of Water Resources Management which 
shall be the primary agency responsible for the comprehensive and integrated water resources 
development and management in the Philippines. Guided by the integrated water resources 
management framework and taking into account climate risks, the Department shall exercise such 
powers and functions needed to review, revise, harmonize and integrate policies and regulations 
for conservation of water resources and effective management of potable water supply. In 
managing water resources, the Department shall aim to improve water conservation, increase 
system efficiencies, and optimize the use of all freshwater in the country including ground water, 
surface water, rainwater, run-offs, floods and urban drainage, and treated wastewater to meet 
various needs. It must be stressed that the Philippine government’s responsibility to safe, clean, 
accessible and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and irrigation service to the public is of 
utmost importance and it is attainable through well-coordinated, effective, efficient and 
sustainable management of its water and sanitation resources. 
The proposed Department of Water, Irrigation, Sewage and Sanitation Resource 
Management shall have the following primary functions: 
1)
Set the policies for water supply and sewage and sanitation management;
2)
Develop and manage the country’s water resources to ensure optimal use, including
but not limited to, domestic, irrigation, power generation, industrial, agricultural,
and commercial use;
3)
Build, maintain and monitor water-related infrastructure, water quality and
accessibility;
4)
Regulate the operation and management of water utilities such as MWSS, LWDs,
RWSAs and other water and sanitation service providers;
5)
Make available and/or provide financial assistance to non-viable LWDs for the
improvement of water facilities or services through funds prior and future
appropriations of the National Government for waterworks and sewerage systems;
6)
Regulate and control the utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and
protection of all water resources;
7)
Administer and enforce the provisions of Water Code of the Philippines;
8)
Plan, design, construct, and/or improve all types of irrigation projects and
appurtenant structures;
9)
Operate, maintain, and administer all national irrigation systems (NIS);
10)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;
10)
Delegate the partial or full management of NIS to duly organized cooperatives or
associations;
11)
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;


12)
Charge and collect from the beneficiaries of the water from all irrigation systems
constructed by or under its administration.
Following the lead of other countries who have found it wise to create a special department 
to manage this vital resource of water including Japan, Australia, China, and India, the availability 
of potable water in the Philippines and the continuing water supply for domestic, agricultural and 
industrial consumption may be ensured and the perennial problem that seriously affects the lives 
of the people in terms of health, sanitation, food security, and livelihood may be effectively 
addressed. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
Representative 
1st District, Zamboanga City 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____________ 
Introduced by: 
HONORABLE KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
Representative, 1st District, Zamboanga City 
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 I 
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
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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. 
 
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 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 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; 
 
f) 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; 
 
g) 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; 
 
h) 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; 
 
i 
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; 
 
j 
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; 
 
k) 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; 
 
l) 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; 
 
m) 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; 
 
n) Coordinate with other relevant government agencies and develop policies and plans 
in respect of water resources for farming, including sustainable mechanisms for 
irrigation; 
 
o) Pass upon, approve, or disapprove all plans, programs, or development projects   of  
private  individuals, 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; 
 
p) 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; 
 


q) 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; 
 
r) 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 concerns 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, 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; 
 
s) 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; 
 
t) Plan, design, construct, and/or improve all types of irrigation projects and 
appurtenant structures; 
 
u) Operate, maintain, and administer all national irrigation systems (NIS); 
 
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) 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; 
 
x) Delegate the partial or full management of NIS to duly organized cooperatives or 
associations; 
 
y) 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; 
 
z) Charge and collect from the beneficiaries of the water from all irrigation systems 
constructed by under its administration; 
 
aa) 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; 
 
bb) 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; 
 
cc) ln coordination with other relevant agencies, ascertain that all plans and project 
implementation designs are consistent with current standards and guidelines; 
 
dd) 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; 
 
ee) Assist other government agencies, including LGUs, in determining the most suitable 
entity to undertake the actual construction of water, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation 
projects; 
ff) 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; 
 
gg) Provide integrated planning for flood control, flood risk management, and water 
resource development and management systems, other public works; 
 
hh) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations, and guidelines as may be necessary to 
implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act; 
 
ii) 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; 
 
jj) Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer 
interests; 
 
kk) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector to assist in the 
performance of any of the powers and functions of the Department; 
 
ll)  Appoint, hire, and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers, and/or consultants, 
with suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary; 
 
mm) 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; 
 
nn) 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; 
 
oo) Exercise such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to attain 
the objectives of this Act; and 
 
pp) 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 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 control 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 for the Finance Service; 
b) One for the Administrative Service; 
c) One for the Planning and Engineering Services; 
d) One for the Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services; and 
e) 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 three (3) Assistant 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 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 in 
accordance with the existing government accounting and auditing rules and 
regulations; 
 
d) Provide 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 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, 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, for the purpose of developing or upgrading 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 a more efficient conduct of 
administrative processes; 
 
h) Develop, establish and maintain an efficient records system; 
 
i) 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; 


 
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 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 RWSAs, cooperatives and other 
associations; 
 
b) Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper and Regional Offices and, when 
requested, the attached corporations and boards; 
 
d) 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; 
 
e) 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; 
 
f) Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional Offices; 
 
g) 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; 
 
h) Review all water rates or charges; 
 
i) Manage the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs, RWSAs 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; 
 
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 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. 
 
CHAPTER III 
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. 
 
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 effected 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 Five (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 their employees to the Office of the 
President for approval. 
 
SECTION 22. Separability Clause. - If any provisions or part hereof, is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
 
SECTION 23. 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 24. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation with its Implementing Rules and 
Regulations promulgated by the MPPPC within sixty (60) days from the formal organization of 
the Council. 
 
Approved,