Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 286)
The declared policy is to adopt urgent and effective measures to address the nationwide water crisis which adversely affects health, well-being, food production, and industrialization.
The President of the Philippines is authorized to reorganize and revamp the MWSS and LWUA pursuant to Section 7 of Republic Act No. 8041.
The national government’s role is to 'steer rather than row,' encouraging private sector participation through franchising, concession, management, privatization, or other arrangements, exercising prudence and restraint in the use of resources, and streamlining operations to achieve more with less.
The MWSS shall be headed by an Administrator who serves as its chief executive officer.
The MWSS management includes an Administrator supported by two Senior Deputy Administrators for Operations and Customer Service, and Resource Development and Management, along with four Deputy Administrators for Engineering and Construction, Finance and Administration, and two for Customer Service districts.
They oversee operations and maintenance of MWSS facilities and delivery of service, supervising departments such as Water Production, Water Transmission and Meter Management, and Sewerage.
Customer Service is divided into two districts, each headed by a Deputy Administrator, with four service areas handling revenue generation, facilities operation and maintenance, meter management, and public information.
Subject to the President's approval, MWSS and LWUA can revise the number of departments if franchising, concession, privatization, or other arrangements reduce the scope of their current operations.
MWSS and LWUA may adopt a revised and upgraded compensation package provided there is no reduction of present salaries and benefits, salaries are commensurate with improved revenue, adjustments don't exceed industry rates, budgets are approved by their Boards, non-revenue water must not exceed 40%, and final approval by the President is obtained.
They shall be entitled to benefits as determined by existing laws, and the agencies are directed to propose schemes for incentives and benefits for voluntary retirement, including accelerated application of revised compensation packages.
It takes effect the day after its complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation.