SEN. Francis Pangilinan has renewed his call for a more coordinated and centralized approach to water management in the Philippines, emphasizing the urgent need for a National Water Resources Management Law. His push comes amid worsening floods and growing concerns about water security in the country.

On July 25, Pangilinan filed Senate Bill (SB) 225, also known as the National Water Resources Management Act. This bill proposes establishing a dedicated Department of Water Resources to streamline the country’s fragmented water governance system and enhance its capacity to prevent and respond to climate-induced disasters.

“The issue of water is a multifaceted issue, so there should really be a separate department of water,” Pangilinan said. “It should be ensured that it is under one agency so that action can be swift and coordinated.” Currently, various government agencies share water management responsibilities, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the National Water Resources Board. Pangilinan argues that this overlap hinders efficiency and weakens disaster preparedness.

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Under SB 225, the new Department of Water Resources would house a Bureau of Flood Control and Drainage. This bureau would coordinate with the DPWH and other agencies to design flood control infrastructure, prepare drainage master plans, and offer technical support to local government units and other stakeholders.

The department would also lead the crafting and implementation of national master plans for bulk water transmission, pipe networks, and other water delivery systems to ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s water supply.

The senator’s renewed push follows an ongoing congressional investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. If enacted, the National Water Resources Management Act would mark a significant shift in the country’s water governance, moving toward a more unified and climate-resilient approach to managing one of the Philippines’ most critical resources.