Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera (Rep. Herrera's office)

House Deputy Minority Leader Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera has hailed the passage of the proposed Department of Water Resources (DWR), a measure that she has been pushing for since 2010.

“I have been pushing for this measure across several Congresses, recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive and proactive approach. This latest milestone is a result of collaboration and a commitment to ensuring the sustainability of our water sources,” Herrera said.

Recently approved on third and final reading--in overwhelming fashion--was House Bill (HB) No. 9663. It seeks to establish the DWR and the Water Regulatory Commission (WRC).

“This approval is a testament to our collective dedication to sustainable water governance and reflects the culmination of persistent efforts aimed at addressing the complexities of water management,” said Herrera, a principal author of the bill.

“This legislation not only marks a historic achievement but is a forward-thinking approach to securing our nation's water resources. The creation of the DWR and WRC is pivotal for a more organized and strategic response to the challenges we face."

Herrera has been advocating for this measure since the 15th Congress, during her initial tenure as a member of the House of Representatives.

The veteran lawmaker emphasized the importance of the measure in safeguarding the country’s water supply for present and future generations.

“With the House approving the bill on final reading, we set the stage for a more resilient water future. It underscores our responsibility to protect and manage this precious resource for current and future generations,” Herrera stressed.

Under the approved bill, DWR is designated as the primary agency responsible for the comprehensive and integrated identification and mapping of all water resources.

DWR will play a crucial role in planning, policy formulation, and management related to ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, and protection of water resources in the Philippines.

This encompasses ensuring optimal use for domestic and municipal water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, industry, navigation, flood management, recreation, and water utilization aspects of fisheries or aquaculture.

Moreover, the agency will spearhead planning and policy formulation aimed at achieving universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply, in addition to enhancing sanitation services for all Filipinos.

DWR will coordinate policy, program, monitoring, and evaluation with the following attached agencies: Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), National Irrigation Administration (NIA)., and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

Meanwhile, the WRC will be established as an independent quasi-judicial regulatory body with comprehensive authority and powers.

WRC's jurisdiction will extend to all water supply, sewerage, or septage treatment and disposal service providers, whether private or public, catering to domestic, residential, institutional, industrial, or commercial users, including suppliers to subdivisions or other service providers.