Water Resources and Management Authority Act

Offer of the carry TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session JUL 10 P6:10 SENATE S.B. No. 426 RECEIVED B Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT CREATING THE WATER RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "The State shali protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them." Access to clean water is a basic human right. It is crucial in the sustenance of man and is used in almost every industry such as in irrigation, power generation, livestock raising, and fisheries, among others. According to a study funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), every single major city in the Philippines is expected to face some form of water shortage by 2025, prompting calls from environment advocates for the implementation of a nationwide water demand management program. With the onslaught of the pandemic in 2019, water, more than ever, proved to be the most essential public utility in promoting health and cleanliness. The cursory and forgotten habit of hand-washing has never been this critical, in certain instances in fact a matter of life and death. However, many Filipinos still do not have access to clean water. Some 40 million lack access to formal water resources in the Philippines, according to a 2024 report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Many remain dependent on rainwater, rivers or creeks for their daily needs - highlighting the urgent need to address the problem of water access in the country. The management of water resources in the country used to be an exclusive function of the government through the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its predecessors. Many laws have since been promulgated to address the water crisis, including the enactment of Republic Act No. 8041 or the "National Water Crisis Act of 1995" which recognized the need for the government to address the nationwide water management problem.

In March 1996, Executive Order No. 311 was issued by President Fidel V. Ramos, encouraging the private sector's participation in the operation and facilities of the MWSS. As a result, the institutional arrangements in the Philippines' water sector have become exceedingly complicated, with overlapping functions of over 30 national government offices, local water boards and privatized water utility operators. Further, the recent spate of "man-made" flooding disasters has made the consolidation of these entities into a single coherent and comprehensive Water Resources and Management Authority urgent and critical. This bill seeks to finally establish the Authority as the sole government unit in charge of managing, integrating, and unifying policies pertaining to the use, distribution, and management of water resources in the country. In light of this, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. Time i Mares IMEE R. MARCOSY

4: 18 Dits oftentry TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular Session 25 JUL 10 P6:10 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT CREATING THE WATER RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Water Resources

and Management Authority Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State

to ensure the provision of safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply and improved sanitation services, while maintaining the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of the country's water resources and ecological balance.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purpose of this Act, the following terms

are hereby defined as follows: (a) Authority refers to the Water Resources and Management Authority; (b) Flood Control refers to methods, acts and protocols to be observed in order to prevent and reduce the detrimental and catastrophic effects of flood waters which include sediment-laden or turbid flows, hyper- concentrated flows or debris flows; (c) Flood Risk Management (FRM) refers to such acts of defining and determining the appropriate methods, acts and protocols aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of incurring loss of both life and property due to flood waters. Flood risk management consists of a cycle of

prevention, mitigation, adaptation, preparedness and early warning, and, finally response and recovery. The elements of FRM include: integrating land-use planning, coastal zone management into water management; adopting a holistic approach so that FRM is part of wider risk or multi- hazard management (earthquake, landslides, storm surge, etc.); managing risk and uncertainty as a whole so it is not only hydrological uncertainties but also social, economic and political uncertainties In view of the human behavior and cultural dimensions of FRM; (d) Host agency refers to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)/ Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agriculture (DA) or other national government agency, local government unit, or public academic institution that provides programs, benefits and incentives for those who will be able to develop a new technology or innovate an existing one that will be beneficial to the management of water resources; (e) Infrastructure and public works as used in this Act should be read to apply only to wholly or primarily water-related projects and shall not be read to incorporate projects which would not otherwise fall within the purview of the objectives, power and duties of the Department; (f) IWRM refers to the Integrated Water Resource Management or to a systematic, collaborative and multi-stakeholder process, which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources within geophysical boundaries in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner and without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems; (g) Levels of water supply service shall mean as follows: Level 1 (point source) - a protected well or a developed spring with an outlet but without any distribution system, generally adaptable for rural and upland area where the houses are thinly scattered. A Level 1 facility usually serves an average of 15 households; Level II (communal faucet system or stand posts) - a system composed of water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network, and communal faucets. Usually, one faucet serves 4 to 6 households. Generally suitable for rural and urban fringe areas where houses are clustered densely to justify a simple piped system;

Level III (waterworks system or Individual house connections) - a system with a water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network and household taps. This is generally suited for densely populated urban areas; (h) LGU refers to Local Government Unit or to the territorial and political subdivisions of the Philippines as defined under the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, which includes provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays; (i) NDRRMC refers to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council; (i) PDF refers to the country's medium-term development called the Philippine Development Plan; (k) RBO refers to multi-stakeholder River Basin Organization or to organizations which plan, coordinate and monitor activities within a river basin cluster; (l) Sanitation refers to sewage, sanitation and septage management; (m) Sediment management refers to control of sediment erosion and deposition in rivers, reservoirs and coastal zones through non-structural and structural measures and control works; (n) SDG refers to the United Nation's sustainable development goals; (o) Septage refers to sludge produced on individual onsite wastewater disposal systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools; (p) Sewage refers to water-carried waste in solution or suspension including sanitary waste (waste products of normal living), commercial waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste and surface runoff conveyed by a sewerage system for treatment or disposal. For purpose of this Act, the definition of septage shall be Included in the use of sewage; (q) Sewerage refers to any system or network of sanitary pipelines, ditches, channels or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service connections including other constructions, devices or appliances appurtenant thereof, which includes the collection, sanitary piping transport, pumping and treatment of water-borne human or animal waste removed from residences, buildings, institutions and industrial and commercial establishments to point of sewage treatment plant disposal;

(r) Sewers refer to pipes or such other works or structures which are built and constructed to treat, carry, transport and dispose sewage; (s) Social inclusion refers to the process of improving the terms for disadvantaged Individuals and groups to take part in society; (t) Tariffs refer to such amounts which may be charged by licensees of water supply and/or sanitation services for their services based on principles, standards and guidelines established by the Department; (u) Water Demand Management (WDM) refers to any method - whether technical, economic, administrative, financial, or social -that will accomplish one (or more) of the following things: (1) reduce the quantity or quality of water required to accomplish a specific task (2) adjust the nature of the task or the way it is undertaken so that it can be accomplished with less water or with lower quality water (3) reduce the loss in quantity or quality of water as it flows from source through use to disposal (4) shift the timing of use from peak to off-peak periods (5) increase the ability of the water system to continue to serve society during times when water is in short supply; (V) Water Resources Regional Offices (WRROs) refer to the field office of the Department which are to be established in accordance with the Identified water resources regions in the country; (w) Water Service Providers (WSPs) refer to the water districts, any LGU-run water utility, BWSA, RWSA, cooperatives and private sector who provides water supply services to any given area; (x) Water supply service refers to any activity comprising Levels I, II and III water supply including bulk suppliers, suppliers to subdivisions and other water service providers. CHAPTER II ORGANIZATION

SEC. 4. Water Resources and Management Authority. - There is hereby

created and established the "Water Resources and Management Authority" hereinafter referred to as the "Authority" shall be organized within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this Act. It shall be the primary agency responsible for the comprehensive and integrated water resources development and management of the Philippines. It shall exercise such powers and functions needed to review, revise, harmonize and Integrate policies and regulations for

conservation of water resources and effective management of water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, flood control, storm water/ urban drainage. The Authority shall formulate and be guided by an "Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Framework", taking into account climate risks, and ensuring the sustainability of natural ecosystem functions and services. In managing water resources, the Authority shall aim to improve water conservation and increase system efficiencies, and optimize the use of ail freshwater in the country including groundwater, surface water, rainwater, run-offs, floods, storm water and urban drainage, and treated wastewater to meet various needs.

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. - The Authority shall have the following

powers and functions: I. Policy-making and Planning (a) Ensure that the IWRM is adopted as the strategic framework for water management policy-making and planning in the country and coordinate the implementation, promotion, revision and enhancement of IWRM plans; (b) Provide policy direction, strategies, and targets in coordination with other relevant entities to meet the goals and objectives for water supply and sanitation, water quality. Irrigation, hydropower, flood control, storm water, and urban drainage. Such policies shall, among other things, integrate the issues of water and sanitation, food security, energy, environment and flood control; (c) Formulate and develop policies to promote universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply, and improved sanitation services for all Filipinos; (d) Formulate and promulgate rules and regulations for the development, and optimum utilization of water resources and its administration and management, including coherent water protocols and operation rules of all existing and future water infrastructure; and the imposition on fees or charges as may be deemed necessary by the Authority for water resources development; (e) Develop, in consultation with other agencies and stakeholders, the National Water Resources Management Master Plan following the IWRM framework and building on the 1998 Master Plan Study on Water Resources Management, the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan and existing plans of other agencies;

(f) Conduct continuing hydrologic surveys and studies of the country's renewable water supply, establish, operate, and maintain observation station networks with a view towards formulating long-term policies to balance the sustainability and optimal multiple use of water resources, defining the hydrologic boundaries of basins of the existing water supply sources and developing or updating and implementing countrywide comprehensive basinwide master plans; (g) Establish, operate, and maintain a centralized water resources data center necessary for the scientific survey and appraisal of surface and ground water potentials of the country and determine the annual renewable water available per water resources region; (h) Assist and provide the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) secretariat with required data and input from and for the water sector in the formulation of the country's short- term and long-term strategic development plans, and actions and recommend the adoption of general policies and guidelines for water resources development to the NEDA secretariat; (i) Review and approve development plans and programs of any agency within the context of the National Water Resource Management Master Plan and overall national plans and program; i) Regularly review regulations prescribed by any evelopment. gency pertaining to water use, exploitation, conservation or protection of waters, water resources, and watershed or basin areas; (k) Develop and implement, in coordination with other relevant agencies, effective codes, standards, benchmarks, and reasonable guidelines to ensure the safety of all public, and private water structures in the country and assure efficiency and proper quality in the construction of water, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, flood control and drainage infrastructure; (1) Review existing guidelines appropriate for Private Sector Participation in the water sector; (m) Effect inter-sectoral and inter-agency coordination on all aspects of data gathering for water resources development planning and direct the submission of statistics and data on water management;

(n) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act; and (o) Strengthen and deepen interactions and partnerships among different actors from the public and private sector, academe, research and development institutions and communities towards promoting and improving water management resources. II. Resource Regulation (a) Manage the country's water resources to ensure the optimal use thereof for domestic water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, navigation, flood control, and recreation, including the enhancement and maintenance of water quality, conservation of watershed, control of water pollution and environmental restoration, without compromising the natural ecosystem functions and services; (b) Regulate and control the utilization, abstraction, diversion and development of water resources, taking into consideration its equitable distribution among competing demands and determine the standards of beneficial and priority uses of water in times of crisis and national emergencies; (c) Determine, adjudicate, and grant water rights; and (d) Formulate and enforce rules and regulations for the development and optimum use of water resources and its administration and management, and implement rules and guidelines for the enforcement of water-related laws including coherent water protocols, operational rules of all existing and future water infrastructure and appropriate sanctions to be imposed for non- compliance. III. Administration and Management (a) Develop guidelines, including rules of partnership among the Authority, field offices of national government agencies, LGUs and facilitate the establishment of multi- stakeholder river basin organizations (RBOs) per river basin, anc nonitor, strengthen and support existing RBOS

(b) Develop materials for capacity building and training on RBO development and conduct training and workshops for prospective river basins; (c) Authorize its representatives or any deputized agent to enter any property of public dominion or any private land, building or enclave, whether inhabited or not, for the purpose of conducting hydrologic surveys and investigations including assessing and evaluating the conditions of water facilities installed and determining compliance with water laws and standards; (d) Provide technical assistance to water users including but not limited to farmers, communities, LGUs and other water service providers (WSP) whether directly or in coordination with other agencies on all aspects of integrated water resources management; and (e) Deputize agents from other government agencies or Government- Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) to assist in the performance of any of the powers and functions of the Department. Coordination IV. (a) Coordinate and integrate water resources development activities of the country within the context of national plans and policies for social and economic development; (b) Coordinate with other government agencies, universities and private professional groups for all aspects of data gathering, the conduct of special studies and research on all related aspects of water resources management and development such as climate change, environmental quality, desalination, and the development of operating strategies, procedures, and protocols with accompanying computerized decision tools for major water facilities; (c) Coordinate with the concerned and relevant agencies engaged in flood control, flood risk management and drought risk management; and (d) Coordinate with LCD's to ensure the integration of water resources development plans into their comprehensive land use plans

(CLUPs), Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs) or Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plan (PPFDP).

SEC. 6. Administrator of the Water Resources and Management Authority. -

The authority and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Authority and for the discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Administrator of the Authority, hereinafter referred to as the "Administrator" who shall: (a) Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative orders, regulations, proclamations and other issuances relative to matters under the jurisdiction of the Authority; (b) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Authority pursuant to the President's guidelines; (c) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out objectives, policies, and functions; (d) Exercise supervision and control over all offices under the Authority; (e) Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law; (f) Represent the Authority in contracts, awards, and other similar activities; and (g) Perform such other duties and responsibilities, as may be necessary, and as provided by law. No person shall be appointed Administrator unless he or she possesses extensive knowledge of public administration and has a minimum experience of ten (10) years in the administration of water, sanitation, irrigation, flood control and drainage programs preferably in a public agency.

SEC. 7. Office of the Administrator. - The Office of the Administrator shall

be composed of the Administrator and his immediate staff.

SEC. 8. Offices. - The Authority shall be consisted of five (5) offices, as

follows: (1) Finance Service; (2) Administrative Service; (3) Planning and Engineering Services; (4) Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services; and (5) Operations.

SEC. 9. Organizational Structure. - The Authority shall be composed of the

following organizational units: (a) Authority Proper consisting of the Office of the Administrator, the Internal Audit, Finance Service, Administrative Service, Planning and Engineering Services, Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services, and Operations; and

(b) Regional Offices, as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Administrator, taking into consideration the existing water resources regions, river basins, and catchment basins of the country.

SEC. 10. Internal Audit. - The Internal Audit is hereby created for the

purpose of conducting comprehensive audit of various activities of the Authority and shall have the following functions: (a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to management control and operations audit; (b) Conduct management and operations performance audit of activities and units and determine as to compliance with established objectives, policies, methods and procedures, government regulations, and contractual obligations of the Authority; (c) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, and performance standards of the Authority; (d) Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top management to solve problems by recommending realistic courses of action; and (e) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.

SEC. 11. Finance Services. - The Finance Services is hereby created to

provide the Authority with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, budget, cash, accounting, and all financial matters not falling under other Services. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions: (a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to the accounting of government expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, project finances, and financial systems and procedures; (b) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, undertake budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to the proper offices; (c) Develop and maintain accounting, financial, and assets management systems, procedures, and practices in the Authority in accordance with the existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations;

(d) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Administrator and, when requested, to government corporations, councils, and boards attached to the Authority; and (e) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.

SEC. 12. Administrative Services. - The Administrative Service is hereby

created to provide the Authority with services relating to human resources development, personnel records, facilities maintenance, medical and dental, gender and development (GAD), security, property and procurement services. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions: (a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to internal administration and human resources management; (b) Prepare and implement an integrated personnel plan that shall include provisions on merit promotion, performance evaluation, job rotation, suggestions and incentive awards systems, and health and welfare services; (c) Provide services related to human resource training, education, and development, including manpower, career planning and forecasting development of indigenous training materials; (d) Prepare and/or implement GAD plans and budgets and GAD accomplishment reports; (e) Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and cost-effective property procurement system and facilities and coordinate or otherwise interface with relevant agencies, whether government or private, for the purpose of developing or upgrading the system; (f) Secure and maintain necessary facilities, and develop, establish and maintain an efficient and effective security system covering, among others, personnel, physical installations, equipment, documents, and materials, including the conduct of security investigations; (9) Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more efficient conduct of administrative processes; (h) Develop, establish and maintain an efficient records system; (I) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Authority and Regional Offices and, when requested, the government agencies and corporations attached to the Authority; and (i) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.

SEC. 13. Planning and Engineering Services. - The Planning and Engineering

Services is hereby created to provide the Authority with the capability to undertake infrastructure development planning, programming, and implementation. For this purpose, it shall have the following functions; (a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to infrastructure planning and implementation; (b) Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development consistent with national development objectives and initiate or undertake relevant surveys for development planning; (c) Formulate and implement long-range, medium-term and annual development plans and programs for infrastructure, including flood control, water resource development systems, and other public works projects including phasing of implementation and review and integrate land use plans with such water development plans; (d) Identify and implement priority packages for infrastructure development, including flood control, water resource development systems, and other public works projects, and undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of feasibility studies and project preparation and implementation thereof; (e) Prioritize project implementation and the allocation of funds and other resources and package project proposals for funding and implementation; (f) Evaluate and appraise all reginal interregional infrastructure development plans and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approved strategies and long and medium-term plans; (g) Initiate regular Authority-wide planning exercises and act as the secretariat thereof; (h) Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and information; (i) Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other Services and Regional Offices as needed; and Ö) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.

SEC. 14. Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services. - The Regulatory and

Financial Assistance Services is hereby created to provide the Authority with services on all legal affairs, compliance of attached government corporations, LWDS, RWSAs, cooperatives, and other associations, including private entitles under contractual or concession arrangement with them, and other private water service providers on the established standards, rules and regulations relating to: water quality, infrastructure and facilities design and construction, equipment, materials and supplies, operations and maintenance, personnel, organization, accounting, tariffs, and other matters subject to regulation. It shall also provide the services on the management of the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs and RWSAS. For this purpose, it shall have the following functions:

(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to legal affairs and regulation of the operation of the attached corporations, LWDs, RWSAs, cooperatives and other associations; (b) Provide legal assistance, when requested, the attached corporations and boards; (c) Prepare contracts and legal instruments, review of administrative charge against officers and employees of the Authority, members of the top management of the attached corporations and boards; (d) Conduct administrative investigation as well as the review of administrative charges against officers and employees of the Authority, members of the top management of the attached corporations and boards; (e) Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional Offices; (f) Establish standards for: water quality; design and construction of facilities, optimum selection of equipment, materials and supplies, procedures for operations and maintenance of water and sewer equipment and facilities, training of personnel, organization, uniform accounting system, tariffs; (g) Review all water rates or charges; (h) Manage the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs, RWSAS and other qualified water utilities; and (i) Maintain a databank for water quantity and quality of all water resources including ground water and or surface water resources being used by water utilities, power utilities, sewage facilities, sanitation facilities, and irrigation cooperatives and organizations and a databank for relevant information of all these organizations as well.

SEC. 15. Water Resources Regional Offices. - The Water Resources Regional

Offices (WRRO), organized per water resources region shall be responsible for implementing the mandates, powers and duties of the Authority at the field level, except for policymaking which will be vested solely with the Central Office. For this purpose, the duties and responsibilities of the WRRO shall be as follows: (a) Formulate or update and coordinate the river basin master plans for river basins within its jurisdictions ensuring consistency with the National Water Resources Management Master Plan; (b) Evaluate the planning, design, and work supervision functions of the Authority for the water infrastructures within the region; (c) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and regulations regarding the abovementioned Infrastructure as well as public and private physical structures;

(d) Provide technical assistance related to the water-related functions of other agencies within the region especially the local government; (e) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and organizations, especially local government units within the region in the planning and implementation of the river basin master plans; (f) Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities, take appropriate measures to make the services responsive to the Central Office and recommend such appropriate actions, as may be necessary; and (g) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.

SEC. 16. Regional Director. - Each Regional Office shall be headed by a

Regional Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Office. He shall also perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law. The Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Water Resources Regional Office Directors who shall exercise supervision respectively over: (1) the planning, project design and evaluation function and (2) the construction, maintenance, and works supervision functions in the region.

SEC. 17. Comptrollership and Financial Management Service. - The

Comptrollership and Financial Management Service is hereby created to provide the Authority with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, budget, cash, accounting and all financial housekeeping matters. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions: (a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to the accounting of government expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, project finances and financial systems and procedures; (b) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, undertake budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to the proper offices; (c) Develop and maintain accounting, financial and assets management systems, procedures and practices in the Authority; (d) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, ad

performance standards such as budgets and standard costs of the Authority, bureaus, and regional offices; (e) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Authority and, when requested, to government corporations and councils attached to the Authority; and (f) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.

SEC. 18. Resource Regulation Service. - The Resource Regulatory Service is

hereby created to provide the Authority with services on resource regulation of all water-related services and activities. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions: (a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to resource regulations; (b) Determine, grant and regulate water rights for the appropriate, optimal and sustainable use of surface and ground water; (C) Determine, evaluate and grant waterworks and sewerage franchises; (d) Investigate violations of the water rights and the Water Code and impose the appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations as well as future rules and regulations which the Authority will promulgate; (e) Adjudicate water use conflicts; and (t) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator or as may be required by the law.

SEC. 19. Public Affairs Office. - The Public Affairs Office is hereby created

for the purpose of enhancing government relations with all stakeholders including the media. It shall ensure that women, men, older people and people with disabilities will be consulted, organized and can take active part in all aspects of water resources development and management activities. The office will also lead the planning and organizing of the special events of the Authority. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions: (A) Public Awareness (a) Advise the Administrator on matters pertaining to public affairs services; (b) Develop and supervise the implementation of communications programs to have relevant policies, programs and plans of the Authority understood by the public; (c) Produce and supervise the dissemination of communicatior materials in line with the priorities of the Authority and the national government public information programs;

(d) Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys to identify the interests and concerns of key groups served by the Authority; (e) Establish editorial policies on print and broadcast media; (f) Establish and maintain linkages with the tri-media and presence In social media; (g) Coordinate the conduct of interviews and news conferences; (h) Act as spokesperson for the Authority; (0) Coordinate with various departments, concerned government agencies, tri-media and other stakeholders on matters related to the above- enumerated functions; (j) Coordinate with the appropriate national government agencies tasked with public information affairs; (B) Promoting Participation (a) Conduct public consultations and discussions; (b) Develop and disseminate relevant and appropriate materials and programs for public information and education, as well as advocacy campaign; (c) Conduct seminars and workshops involving the LCDs and the general public on current water issues and problems; (d) Conduct capability building seminars of various stakeholders to promote meaningful participation in the Authority's policy making, planning, development and implementation of various programs and projects. (C) Special Events (a) Coordinate the organization and promotion of special events and water exhibits; (b) Act as the focal point for all water related events; (c) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator or as may be required by law.

SEC. 20. Pollution Adjudication Board. - There is hereby created a Pollution

Adjudication Board under the Authority. The Board shall be composed of the Administrator as Chairman, two (2) Undersecretaries as may be designated by the Secretary, the Director of Water Quality Management Bureau and three (3) other representatives from other stakeholders to be designated by the Administrator as members. The Board shall assume the powers and functions of the Commission/Commissioners of the National Pollution Control Commission with respect to the adjudication of water pollution cases under Republic Act No. 3931, Presidential Decree 984, particularly with respect to Section 6 letters e, f, g, j, k and p of the P.D. 984 and RA 9275. The Bureau of Water Quality Management shall serve as the Secretariat of the Board. These powers and functions may be delegated to the field officers of the Authority In accordance with rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Board.

SEC. 21. Divisions. - Each Division shall be headed by a Director who shall

be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the functions of the Division concerned. The Director shall be assisted by one (1) Assistant Director.

SEC. 22. Division of Hood Control and Drainage. - The Division of Flood

6 Control and Drainage is hereby created to plan and design flood control and drainage structures and facilities in accordance with technical standards, guidelines and manuals. For this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities: (a) Formulate policy, strategies and programs on flood risk management in the context of integrated flood management (IFM) which integrates water, land, coastal zone and multi-hazard management. In integrating land-use planning and water management, the Authority should harmonize and synthesize plans to enable the sharing of information between land-use planning and water management authorities. In integrating hazard management, a holistic approach should be adopted so that IFM should be part of a wider risk or multi-hazard management system (e.g., earthquake, landslides, fire, tsunami, etc.); (b) Integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction and management in policies and plans; (c) Prepare master plans of flood management and drainage in river basins in coordination with the concerned water resources region and river basin organizations; (d) Prepare master plans of urban drainage in cities/municipalities; (e) Prepare feasibility studies of recommended measures in the master plans; (f) Plan and design structural measures for flood control and drainage; (g) Implement and/or collaborate with concerned agencies on the non- structural measures; (h) Patrol and Investigate rivers including the monitoring of stream flows; (i) Conduct post-disaster investigation and evaluation and damage assessment of flood infrastructures after extreme events; (j) Conduct research and development on water and sediment-related disasters; (k) Develop design guidelines, criteria and standards on flood control and drainage structures; (1) Provide technical assistance to other agencies, LGUs and other stakeholders; (m)Advise the Secretary on declaring flood control areas and recommend guidelines for flood plain management plans in these areas in coordination with the proposed Department of Disaster Resiliency; and (n) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Secretary, or as may be required by law.

SEC. 23. Division of Water Quality Management. - The Division of Water

Quality Management is hereby created to supervise and control over all aspects of water quality management to ensure the sustainability of the country's water resources and the protection of the environment. It should take into account proper and integrated treatment of freshwater and wastewater within the whole process. For this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities: (a) Establish water quality guidelines for freshwater and coastal/marine waters as basis for classifying water bodies in the country. Specifically, develop water quality indices or composite metrics to measure of the quality status and health of natural water bodies in relation to ecological integrity and function. (b) Establish effluent standards for point sources of pollution; (c) Establish internationally accepted procedures for sampling and analysis; (d) Prepare an integrated water quality management framework; (e) Prepare 10-year water quality management plans for each water quality management area as part of the River Basin Master Plans and in support of the National Water Resources Management Master Plan; (f) Classify groundwater sources and prepare a national groundwater vulnerability map; (g) Classify or reclassify all water bodies according to their beneficial usages using the established water quality guidelines established; (h) Issue permits, clearances and similar instruments pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 2004; (i) Collect the wastewater discharge (EUF) fees for all permittees; (i) Monitor the compliance of water discharge permittees with the effluent standards; (k) Regularly monitor the water quality of major water bodies in the country and analyze the data to identify possible sources of pollution; (l) Issue notices of violations and/or cease and desist orders for those found in violation; (m) File the needed cases against violators with the Pollution Adjudication Board; (n) Serve as secretariat of the PAB; and (0) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law. CHAPTER III INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGY

SEC. 24, General Registration and Operational Benefits and Incentives. -

Host agencies shall be authorized to provide the following benefits and incentives to who will be able to develop a new technology or innovate an existing one that

will be beneficial to the conservation, preservation, and management of water resources: (a) Full or partial subsidy for the registration and cost in the application and processing of permits and certificates required for the business registration and operation of an enterprise with the appropriate local or national government (b) Endorsement of the host agency for the expedited or prioritized processing of applications with other government agency; (c) Full or partial subsidy for the use of facilities, office space, equipment, and/or services provided by government or private enterprises or institutions; (d) Full or partial subsidy in the use of repurposed government spaces and facilities of the host agency as the registered business address; and (e) Grants-in-aid (GIA) for research, development, training, and expansion projects.

SEC. 25. General Benefits for Participation in Local and International Events.

- Host agencies shall be authorized to provide the following benefits and incentives in order to support developers and innovators of water management resources who have passed their respective selection and application process for the purpose of participating in local or international events or competitions: (a) Endorsement of the host agency for the expedited or prioritized processing of travel documents, such as, but not limited to, passport and/or visa application; (b) Full or partial subsidy for fees and charges incurred in the application for pertinent travel documents; (c) Full or partial subsidy for baggage allowance for materials, equipment, and/or products pertinent to the participation in the local or International event; (d) Full or partial airfare subsidy for roundtrip airfare; and/or (e) Per diem allowance. CHAPTER IV TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 26. Coordination with Other Sector Regulators. - The Authority is

mandated to coordinate with the different sector regulators as follows: (1) The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility for setting and enforcing drinking water quality standards. The Authority shall coordinate with the DOH in this regard and shall ensure consistency of standards and targets which it will set for compliance of permittees with the mandated standards of the DOH; (2) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility for protecting the environment and managing the country's watersheds;

(3) The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility for setting up and running hydropower plants but will ensure that any hydropower plant development plans are consistent with the National Water Development and Management Plan; (4) The Authority shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure agricultural development that reduces sources of long-term pollution for surface water and groundwater, and agricultural and industrial economic development that employs water efficiency, water recycling/reuse and the appropriate treatment of wastewater; (5) The Authority shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure that its plans and designs for flood control, flood risk management and drought risk management are aligned with the objectives and plans of the Authority; and (6) The Authority shall absorb the responsibility from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the management and operation of water supply systems of local government units.

SEC. 27. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. - The Authority shall, by virtue

of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the obligations of the relevant parts of any government agency or unit whose powers and duties have been transferred to the Authority, including the DPWH, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), River Basin Control Office, Manila Bay Coordinating Office, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Laguna Lake Development Authority, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, the Water Resources Regional Offices, and all other offices whose powers are transferred by this Act. The transfer of powers and functions as provided in Sec. 18 of this Act, as may be applicable, and its attached agencies thereto, shall take effect within one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act. The foregoing transfer of powers and functions shall Include all applicable funds, personnel, records, property, and equipment, as may be necessary. All offices shall continue to function under their present mandates until transition is in effect. All rights and obligations of said government agencies are hereby transferred to and assumed by the Authority and shall be acted upon in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA) and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 28. Separation from Service. - Employees separated from government

service as a result of this Act shall be entitled to the benefits that they may receive 47 under existing laws, rules, and regulations.

- The sum of two billion pesos (Php

SEC. 29. Appropriations.

2,000,000,000.00) shall be set aside from available funds of the National Treasury, and is hereby appropriated and authorized to be released for the organization of the 4 Authority and its initial operations. Thereafter, funds sufficient to fully carry out the objectives, powers, and functions of the Authority shall be appropriated every fiscal year in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 30. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is

declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 31. Repealing Clause. - Any law or parts thereof inconsistent with any

provision of this Act shall be deemed repealed, but without prejudice to any liability under special laws.

SEC. 32. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,