Philippine Water Sector Priority Programs

Policy Directions

• Institutional Strengthening. The policy directions of institutional strengthening focus on policies that: establish a coherent legal environment; strengthen economic regulation; establish the water and sanitation sub-committee of the INFRACOM of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) with its own Monitoring and Evaluation Unit; and provide financial support and strengthen the financing and investment environment.
• Capacity development. The policy directions of capacity development focus on policies that support: decentralization; budget allocation and mandates for effective water service delivery interventions; and strong capacity of the national government agencies to support local government units and water supply providers.
• Strategic alliance building. The policy directions of strategic alliance building focus on policies that promote: multi-stakeholder participation, transparency, and accountability; participation from the private sector; integration of water, wastewater, and sanitation sector plans; and creation of local integrated water resource management mechanisms, networks, and initiatives.

 Priority programs

1. Establishing a coherent and integrated sector baseline for planning and policy making
2. Strengthening water economic regulation
3. Water resources assessment in critical areas
4. Integrated water supply and sanitation planning framework and process
5. Strengthening of the local government units’ institutional framework and advocacy for ensuring water services provision
6. Program for the rationalization of sector investment and financing
7. Sector assessment and monitoring program
8. Support program for capacity development of national government agencies
9. Support program for water service providers
10. Alliance building programs

 On-Going and Pipeline Projects

1. Small water supply improvement and financing
2. Registration of water utilities for regulation
3. Provision of enhanced water services with the active participation of the poor
4. Rural water supply and sanitation sector project in Visayas and Mindanao
5. Mindanao basic urban services sector project
6. Water district development sector project
7. Philippine water revolving fund
8. Water service providers’ technical assistance for the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB)

Investment Requirement

• Estimate. If population growth and target economic development are factored in, the projected medium-term infrastructure investment for water supply projects will amount to Php80 billion.
• Usage. The projected investment requirement covers upgrading water supply systems.

Source:

“Priority Programs.” Philippine Water Sector Roadmap, November 2008, pp. 36-51.