DEC. 10, 2024 — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced that the creation of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) will help address the country’s persistent challenges in flood management and agricultural productivity. By integrating the country’s governance and regulation of water resources, the DWR will contribute to national efforts to achieve comprehensive water security.

During the 7th meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) on Monday (December 9), NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan underscored the vital role of the DWR Bill. He highlighted that the bill will establish a central agency to efficiently manage and develop the country’s water resources, addressing issues such as the current institutional fragmentation of the sector.

“The recurring devastation caused by heavy typhoons necessitates that we prepare for our country’s future and safety. The DWR will be mandated to coordinate with relevant agencies on the construction of water projects, which will improve our irrigation and flood management,” said Balisacan.

The establishment of the DWR and the accompanying Water Regulatory Commission is listed as one of the top priority bills under the LEDAC Common Legislative Agenda (CLA). It is targeted for passage before the end of the 19th Congress. 

The Council also reviewed progress on other CLA bills, including the Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, and the National Government Rightsizing Program.

Prior to the meeting, President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12078, or the Amendments of the Agricultural Tariffication Act. This law, also part of the LEDAC CLA priority bills, aims to strengthen the country’s rice industry by providing greater support to local rice farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity, thus contributing to the country’s food security objectives.

As of this writing, 29 of the 64 bills under CLA have now been signed into law.

The LEDAC, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and composed of the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and representatives from the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Cabinet, is a high-level advisory body that sets the government’s legislative priorities. NEDA serves as the Principal Secretariat for LEDAC. 

For updates on LEDAC CLA, visit https://ledac.neda.gov.ph/resources-2/19th-congress/.

 

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