Marcos keen on creation of water resources department

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is advocating for a reorganization of water management in the country through the establishment of a Department of Water Resources.

“It’s a department because we aim to reorganize everything. Initially, we intended to overhaul the entire water management process in the Philippines. However, due to the pressing challenges posed by climate change, we must focus our efforts and attention on water management,” President Marcos stated.

The Chief Executive made these comments during the 6th Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting at Malacañang Palace last week when asked whether he envisions the water resources department as an “umbrella agency” rather than an independent entity.

President Marcos informed Senate President Francis Escudero that Malacañang will develop an executive version of the Department of Water Resources bill, which the Senate leader indicated would be utilized for discussions in the upper chamber.

Regarding revised priorities for water resources, the President expressed a preference for assigning flood control responsibilities directly to the water resources agency, with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) serving as a coordinating agency.

He emphasized that issues related to water, such as flooding and irrigation, cannot be addressed in isolation, necessitating a comprehensive strategy.

“The mayor of a municipality typically focuses solely on local issues. However, water doesn’t recognize boundaries; it flows wherever it can,” the President explained.

“That’s why an overarching plan is essential. We need to involve all relevant agencies,” he concluded.