House panel forms TWG for proposed creation of Department of Water Resources

Summary

During a Joint Committee hearing, Second District Representative Joey Salceda highlighted that only 21% of the Philippines' water resources are utilized, despite the country receiving nearly triple the water China gets. Representatives are pushing for the creation of a Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the 'Build, Build, Build' program to streamline policy formulation and management. The DWR would oversee water resource development, including addressing issues like the national irrigation system, sewerage systems, and flood control. The Department of Budget and Management supports the initiative, although discussions on the future of existing agencies and provisions are ongoing.

Takeaways

• 💧 The country's water resources are underutilized, with only 21% being used according to Joey Salceda, Second District representative.
• 🌎 The Philippines has almost triple the water resources that China does, but lacks the capacity to store and utilize it effectively.
• 🏛️ Representatives are pushing for the creation of a Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the proposed 'Set Build' bill.
• 📊 The DWR would be responsible for policy formulation, planning, coordination, development, and management of water resources in the country.
• 👥 The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) supports the 'Set Bill', recognizing the need for a department to manage water resources.
• 🔍 There are concerns about the fragmented and overlapping functions of government agencies in water resource management.
• 🤝 A technical working group has been formed to consolidate 35 filed bills and address pending issues related to water resource management.
• 🏭 The future of government agencies, including the National Irrigation Administration, is under discussion for potential inclusion under the DWR.
• 💡 The technical working group aims to resolve issues such as the inclusion of sewerage systems and flood control planning within the DWR's jurisdiction.
• 📢 The news report by Eileen Cerudo highlights the government's efforts to serve the people and give glory to God while addressing water resource management.

Q & A

What is the current utilization rate of water resources in the country according to Joey Salceda?

Joey Salceda, the Second District representative, stated that only 21% of the country's water resources are currently being utilized.

How does the water resource capacity of the country compare to China's according to the transcript?

The transcript mentions that the country's capacity to store and utilize water is almost triple what God gives China in terms of water.

What is the proposed solution to better manage the country's water resources as mentioned in the hearing?

The proposed solution is the creation of a Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the 'set build', which would handle policy formulation, planning, coordination, development, and management of water resources.

How many bills have been filed for the creation of the Department of Water Resources?

There are 35 filed bills for the creation of the Department of Water Resources.

What is the role of the technical working group in the context of the Department of Water Resources?

The technical working group aims to consolidate the 35 filed bills and resolve pending issues related to the creation and functioning of the Department of Water Resources.

What does the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) support regarding the water resources management?

The DBM supports the set Bill for the creation of a department-level entity to rationalize the management of water resources, recognizing the need for a more centralized approach.

What are some of the pending issues that the technical working group needs to address?

Pending issues include the future of government agencies, placing the National Irrigation Administration under the DWR, inclusion of sewerage systems under the jurisdiction of the Department, and flood control planning.

What is the significance of creating a department-level entity for water resources management?

Creating a department-level entity is significant as it aims to rationalize the management of water resources by addressing the fragmented and overlapping functions of various government agencies.

What is the current status of the National Irrigation Administration in relation to the proposed Department of Water Resources?

The current status of the National Irrigation Administration is under discussion, with the technical working group considering its placement under the jurisdiction of the proposed Department of Water Resources.

How does the proposed Department of Water Resources plan to address flood control planning?

The Department of Water Resources, once established, will be responsible for flood control planning as part of its broader mandate to manage the country's water resources.