MARIKINA 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo urged the Senate to pass the proposed National Water Resources Management Act to bolster water security amid a looming super El Niño. The legislative push follows the House of Representatives’ approval of House Bill 6789 on third and final reading on Dec. 22, 2025, after which the measure was transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 6789 Seeks New Water Governance Frameworks
The pending legislation aims to establish the Department of Water Resources alongside the Water Regulatory Commission, outlining specific mandates and powers for both bodies. According to Quimbo, the creation of these entities is designed to improve coordination among various institutions.
Government planners would gain tools to manage competing demands for water resources, particularly during prolonged dry weather and other climate-related challenges. Quimbo stressed that the initiative requires long-term planning and reliable water management to prevent widespread disruptions.
Did You Know? House Bill 6789 was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives on Dec. 22, 2025, before being transmitted to the Senate.
Public Health and Economic Stakes of Water Insecurity
“Water security is not just an environmental concern. It is a public health issue, an economic concern and a matter that directly affects the daily lives of every Filipino,” Quimbo stated.
Unmanaged shortages could directly impact business operations, strain public services, and disrupt households across the country. Quimbo described the legislative push as an essential financial and administrative commitment, declaring that “this is an investment we cannot afford to delay.”
Establishing centralized agencies like a Department of Water Resources addresses how the government handles competing demands during severe dry spells.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the House of Representatives approve House Bill 6789?
The House of Representatives approved the measure on third and final reading on Dec. 22, 2025.
What specific agencies would be created by the proposed legislation?
The bill seeks to create the Department of Water Resources and the Water Regulatory Commission, while formally defining their respective mandates and powers.
What driving factor prompted Rep. Stella Quimbo to call for the Senate’s action?
Quimbo urged the Senate to pass the bill to bolster water security amid a looming super El Niño and to manage competing demands for water during prolonged dry weather.
How might your local community be affected if water shortages disrupt public services and business operations during the upcoming dry weather?
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