Camarines Sur-based congressmen are prodding senators to approve their own version of the measure creating the Department of Water Resources (DWR), which, among others, will help ensure easy, universal access to safe and affordable water for Filipinos in the long haul.

Reps. Luigi Villafuerte (Camarines Sur 2nd district) and Migz Villafuerte noted that the House of Representatives have already passed on third and final reading

House Bill (HB) No. 6789, or the proposed National Water Resources Management Act.

The measure, anchored on the establishment of the DWR, seeks to future-proof water systems from the increasingly disastrous impact of global warming. It takes into consideration the Philippines' reputation as a climate-vulnerable country.

One of the 44 Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) bills that President Marcos and leaders of the 20th Congress identified for priority action in 2025, HB No.6789 was approved on third and final reading by the House last month.

For the bill to move toward enactment, a counterpart measure must be passed by the other legislative chamber--the Senate.

The Villafuertes says HB No.6789 establishes a Water Trust Fund (WTF) under the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) to finance water development, sanitation, wastewater management and sustainability programs. 

“We are appealing to our senators to consider passing this 2026 their version of an integrated legal framework for the sustainable development, responsible use, conservation, and protection of our country’s water resources,” Rep. Luigi said.

“This proposed DWR bill aims to ensure fair access to safe and affordable water, ensure efficient allocation and regulation, and strengthen the resilience of water systems against climate risks and natural disasters,” Rep. Migz said, for his part.

Under the bill, key agencies shall be attached to the DWR, including the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), plus several water-related units now under the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The Villafuertes said that enactment of the DWR bill will promote genuine and transparent involvement from the private sector. At the same time, if will give focus on infrastructure and public works that embrace climate-resilient and innovative designs and technologies, as well as globally recognized best practices.

A similar bill creating the DWR was filed in the House of Representatives by Villafuerte patriarch, current Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte in the previous 19th Congress. This was also approved on third and final reading.

However, it ultimately went nowhere as the Senate was not able to pass a counterpart measure on time.

“Water is a limited yet essential resource that not only sustains life but also drives economic development and helps maintain ecological balance. Unfortunately, water is often taken for granted, and the Philippines is facing significant challenges in managing, distributing and safeguarding its water resources," Rep. Migz said.

Rep. Luigi traced these challenges to “rapid population growth, uncontrolled urbanization, environmental degradation, and the worsening effects of climate change".

“Rural and low-income communities often bear the brunt. With over 113 million people, a large number of Filipinos still struggle to access safe and dependable water,” he said. 

He noted that the ASEAN Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) has identified fragmentation of institutional responsibilities, lack of science-based data and information for effective planning and decision-making, and inadequate water infrastructure facilities as key challenges exacerbating water management issues in the Philippines. 

“Ultimately, many of the country’s current water-related laws and frameworks are outdated and fail to address today’s current realities,” Rep. Luigi said.