Legal basis and governing authorities
- The memorandum order is issued pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)”.
- Authority to manage the Ipo Watershed areas flows from Proclamation No. 391, which places the Ipo Watershed under joint management by the Director of Forestry (now DENR Secretary) and the Administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.
- The memorandum order is issued in line with DENR Administrative Order No. 2005-23, entitled “Adoption and Implementation of Collaborative Approach to Watershed Management.”
Purpose and policy objectives
- The memorandum order establishes the need for timely and efficient implementation of rehabilitation, protection, and management of the Ipo Watershed Area.
- It aims to arrest the deterioration of the Ipo Watershed attributed to uncontrolled and massive forest degradation, including illegal settlements, illegal forest product harvesting, frequent destructive fires encroaching into natural forests, and conversion of forest lands for cash crop production.
- It recognizes that deterioration results in massive sand, silt and rock deposition into the Ipo Dam Reservoir, affecting water supply stability and productivity for Metro Manila.
Coverage: who receives clearance
- Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) is granted clearance to assist in the management of the Ipo Watershed areas.
- Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI) is granted clearance to assist in the management of the Ipo Watershed areas.
- The clearance is granted for assistance specifically in rehabilitation, protection, and management efforts for the Ipo Watershed areas referenced under the relevant joint-management framework.
Authorized joint authority and negotiation
- Section 1 authorizes and directs MWCI and MWSI jointly to negotiate and enter into agreement with a private entity.
- The private entity must have proven capabilities and expertise in the rehabilitation, protection, and management of critical watershed areas.
- The joint authorization is aimed at supporting management of the Ipo Watershed areas.
Limits on agreements and program scope
- Section 2 provides that the agreement’s authority covers implementation of rehabilitation, protection, and development programs solely for rehabilitation, protection, and management of the Ipo Watershed.
- Section 2 requires that the programs must be consistent with DENR rules and regulations.
Repeals and modification of inconsistent issuances
- Section 3 repeals or modifies any Memorandum Orders and Circulars that are inconsistent with the memorandum order.