The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urging the Senate to approve House Bill No. 6789, which aims to create a new Department of Water Resources (DWR). The bill, recently approved on third reading by the House of Representatives, is a priority measure endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council under the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track key reforms.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla described the proposal as a landmark reform that will unify and modernize the country’s fragmented water governance system, currently managed by multiple agencies and local government units. The new department would oversee national water policy, planning, allocation, and conservation, while improving river basin management, integrating flood and drought risk strategies, protecting watersheds, consolidating water data, promoting equitable allocation across sectors, supporting universal access to water and sanitation, and strengthening coordination with local governments and private partners.
The DENR stressed that the bill is crucial for securing reliable water supply for households, agriculture, and industry, while protecting communities from floods, droughts, and climate-related risks. Officials said the measure would help ensure long-term water security, support economic growth, and enhance national resilience.
