Institutional Framework for Water Resource Management
- Executive Order No. 22 (s. 2022) created the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
- The WRMO serves as the apex government body harmonizing all water resource policies, projects, and programs across government agencies.
- WRMO is tasked to ensure the implementation of the Water Resource Management Plan.
Urgency of Implementing Water Conservation Measures
- Due to the predicted occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon and the resultant threat of water scarcity nationwide, urgent water conservation measures are required.
- The need extends beyond Metro Manila to all areas of the country experiencing water shortages.
WRMO’s Leadership Role in Water Conservation
- WRMO and its network of water-related agencies are mandated to lead a nationwide water conservation program.
- Coordination with other relevant government agencies is emphasized to ensure effective implementation.
Directives to National Government Agencies and Instrumentalities
- All national government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, must identify and implement specific, quantifiable, and achievable water conservation measures.
- Target: A 10% reduction in water volume consumption compared to their baseline first quarter (January to March 2023) usage.
Reporting and Conservation Measures for Water Service Providers (WSPs)
- The Local Water Utilities Administration (for Water Districts), National Water Resources Board (for local government-run WSPs), and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (for Maynilad and Manila Water concessionaires) are directed to submit monthly water supply-demand projections to WRMO.
- These submissions must highlight any potential water supply deficits in the near future.
- Government-run WSPs are mandated, and private WSPs encouraged, to implement water conservation strategies such as non-revenue water management and water pressure management.
Infrastructure Development and Local Government Role
- National government-run WSPs are ordered, and local government-run WSPs encouraged, to expedite completion of projects aimed at reducing non-revenue water and upgrading water distribution systems.
- Local government units are encouraged to process waterworks requests from WSPs promptly.
Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Obligations
- WRMO is responsible for developing water conservation strategies, monitoring compliance by government agencies and instrumentalities.
- WRMO must provide quarterly progress reports to the Office of the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Legal Provisions on Validity and Supersession
- If any provision of the Circular is declared unconstitutional or invalid, unaffected parts remain in full force and effect.
- All conflicting issuances, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Circular are modified or repealed accordingly.
Effectivity Clause
- The Circular takes effect immediately upon issuance (June 7, 2023).
This memorandum circular reflects the Philippine government’s proactive commitment to water conservation, coordinated management of water resources, and the institutional responsibilities imposed on government bodies and WSPs to address an impending water crisis associated with environmental and climatic challenges.