Poe underscores need for lead agency to address the country’s water woes

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday pressed for the creation of a lead agency that would ensure adequate water supply in the country.

Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on public services, will lead the hearing on proposed establishment of a water agency, which will cater not just for household and commercial needs, but also for the needs of the agricultural sector.

“What we currently have is a fragmented regulatory framework for water that has limited powers, which has a significant impact on the delivery of water and sanitation services in the country,” she said in a statement.

The committee will discuss eight bills aimed at the establishment of a water agency filed by Poe, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, senators Lito Lapid and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

Also to be tackled at the hearing are the bills proposing the creation of a Department of Water Resources Management filed by Senators Manny Pacquiao, Francis Tolentino and Ronald Dela Rosa.

“We want assurance of the people’s right to clean and steady supply of water,” Poe said.