Core Functions of WRMO
- Advocate for legislation establishing a central water regulatory body or department.
- Implement Integrated Water Resources Management and develop the IWMP.
- Align IWMP with existing development and water plans (Philippine Development Plan, Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan, National Water Resources Board Water Security Master Plan).
- Generate and maintain accurate and timely water and sanitation data for policy and regulatory decisions.
- Collaborate with government agencies, local government units, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.
- Carry out additional duties assigned by the DENR Secretary.
Attachment of Water-Related Agencies
- National Water Resources Board, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Local Water Utilities Administration and local water districts, and Laguna Lake Development Authority are attached to DENR.
- These agencies must closely coordinate and collaborate with WRMO within their mandates.
Integrated Water Resources Master Plan (IWMP)
- Serves as the comprehensive national policy for water resource management.
- Objectives include maximizing water benefits to society and environment, harmonizing policies across agencies, ensuring resilience to climate and extreme events, and engaging LGUs, private sector, and civil society.
- WRMO to delegate specific tasks to water agencies to meet IWMP objectives.
Organizational Structure and Staffing
- DENR Secretary, via WRMO Undersecretary, to design WRMO's structure considering:
- Harmonization of water-related functions in DENR.
- Strengthening coordination with other government agencies.
- Oversight over MWSS, LWUA, and local water districts for coordination, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Development of a central Decision Support System for water data and inter-agency coordination.
- Integration of climate change and disaster risk management in policies and programs.
- DENR Regional Offices to implement WRMO mandates locally.
- Strengthening DENR field offices with hiring additional personnel.
- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to authorize creation of positions based on a lean but effective structure.
Whole-of-Government Approach
- All government departments, agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities, and financial institutions ordered to assist WRMO.
- Local government units are enjoined to cooperate fully with WRMO's objectives.
Funding Provisions
- Initial funding from DENR's current appropriations.
- Subsequent funding to be coordinated with DBM for inclusion in General Appropriations Act.
- Appropriations of water agencies remain unaffected by attachment to DENR.
Implementing Guidelines
- DENR tasked to formulate and issue necessary guidelines to effectively implement the Order.
Reporting Requirements
- WRMO to submit quarterly reports on implementation status to the Office of the President via the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause ensures unaffected provisions remain valid if any part is declared unconstitutional.
- Repeal clause invalidates or modifies inconsistent orders, rules, and issuances.
- Immediate effectivity upon issuance of the Order.