Climate change and global warming have exacerbated the occurrence of droughts putting pressure on water resources, security, and sustainability. In the case of the Philippines, sustainable water resource management is a major concern due to unpredictable weather patterns, El Niño, and the lack of a comprehensive and effective water management system that caters to the increasing demand of the growing population and economy. Inaction towards this warrants a future where water scarcity and insecurity are the norms.

The El Niño phenomenon, which is projected to arrive within the next 2-3 months, will bring extended periods of dry weather and increase the risk of water shortages in many parts of the country. The lack of a comprehensive and effective water management system leads to the inadequate collection and sharing of water-related data, making informed decisions in planning, allocation, and risk mitigations difficult. Moreover, the lack of Filipinos’ access to clean water and sanitation leads to the potential increase in the occurrence of emerging diseases, particularly in highly urbanized areas.

Achieving a water-secure Philippines requires the support and participation of all stakeholders. On April 27, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed Executive Order No. 22 creating the Water Resource Management Office (WRMO) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to integrate and harmonize all government efforts and regulatory activities that would ensure the sustainable management of the country’s water resources. For their part, water utility companies have expanded their investments in water infrastructures, treatment facilities, and distribution networks to increase access to safe and clean water while improving the quality, especially in urban areas.

In light of this, the Stratbase ADR Institute and its partners, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST), organized a hybrid event entitled, “Philippine Water Management Agenda: Ensuring Sustainability and Security”, last 17 July 2023, Monday, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (PHT).

This event gathered key stakeholders from diverse sectors who will discuss the national government’s water management agenda and the private sector’s initiatives to positively contribute to achieving a water-secure Philippines. This event also contributed to the growing discussions regarding sustainability and to present feasible solutions to water scarcity and security in the country now and moving forward.