New Water Department to Address Floods, Boost Agriculture

The creation of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is expected to strengthen the country’s flood management systems and improve agricultural productivity, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced on Dec. 9.

During the 7th meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized the need for a centralized agency to address water resource management issues caused by fragmented governance.

“The recurring devastation caused by heavy typhoons necessitates that we prepare for our country’s future and safety,” said Balisacan. “The DWR will be mandated to coordinate with relevant agencies on the construction of water projects, which will improve our irrigation and flood management.”

The DWR Bill, a priority measure under the LEDAC Common Legislative Agenda (CLA), aims to establish a central agency for efficient water governance and resource development. The department will also oversee the creation of a Water Regulatory Commission to ensure effective water resource regulation.

The LEDAC targets the bill’s passage before the conclusion of the 19th Congress.

Flooding remains a persistent challenge in the Philippines, which experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually. Poor flood management systems exacerbate the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly in densely populated urban centers and agricultural regions.

In addition to enhancing flood resilience, the DWR is expected to support farmers by improving irrigation systems, boosting crop yields, and contributing to national food security.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who chairs the LEDAC, recently signed Republic Act No. 12078, amending the Agricultural Tariffication Act to strengthen the rice industry. The law provides greater support for local farmers and aims to enhance agricultural productivity.

As of this writing, 29 of the 64 bills under the CLA have been signed into law. Other key measures under review include amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, and the National Government Rightsizing Program.

Balisacan highlighted the critical importance of legislative reforms in addressing systemic inefficiencies and safeguarding the nation’s resilience.

NEDA serves as the principal secretariat for LEDAC, coordinating efforts to align the government’s legislative priorities with national development goals.

For updates on LEDAC and the CLA, visit the official website at https://ledac.neda.gov.ph/resources-2/19th-congress/.

The establishment of the DWR marks a significant step toward ensuring comprehensive water security and resilience for the Philippines. It reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable resource management and its vision for long-term agricultural and economic growth.