QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Environmental challenges and water management including fresh water supply sourcing are just some of the concerns to be addressed by the Water Resource Management Office (WRMO) after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signaled his approval of its creation. 

PBBM expressed his intentions of providing every Filipino with clean and fresh water, as well as better irrigation systems to improve their livelihood. This is also one of the priority legislative measures of the current administration.

The future office will be under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and will be a transitory body pending the creation of a Water Resources Department. It shall formulate and implement the Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) to promote the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources. 

The IWMP will serve as the framework of the processes within the office and will guide other government agencies and various sectors in addressing current environmental challenges and managing water resources in the country. 

To implement water management programs, an executive order (EO) will be signed to enable water-related agencies to collaborate with WRMO. It is expected to work harmoniously with Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

The WRMO’s first project to focus on is properly managing of surface water supply to reduce the country’s reliance on groundwater and deep wells.  (MVV, PIA-CPSD)