By Veronica Uy
To address the country’s critical water challenges, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) have committed to advancing the Philippines’ Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) framework.
“With Japan’s long-standing experience in the field of IWRM, we are committed to supporting the Philippines with technologies to key water-related agencies, and capacity development to help the country in the sustainable management of its water resources,” said JICA Senior Representative Soichiro Ide in a public consultation meeting held on April 11, 2025.
The meeting focused on solutions to the Philippines’ pressing water management issues, including uneven distribution, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change impacts.
These challenges have left millions of Filipinos without reliable access to clean and safe water, particularly in rural and informal urban settlements.
Key stakeholders, which also included representatives from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), and model water resources regions (WRRs), discussed the future of IWRM, including expert advice and collaborative strategies to ensure sustainable water resource management.
A key component of the discussions was the integration of lessons learned from JICA’s ongoing IWRM advisory services, which aim to enhance the capacity of Philippine government agencies in water management.
These services include training programs, lectures, and activities designed to improve institutional coordination, financial efficiency, and the creation of an enabling environment for effective IWRM implementation.
The Philippines has abundant water resources, but its distribution is highly uneven, with over 27% of the population living in water-stressed zones.
Furthermore, while access to safe water has improved, a significant portion of the population still relies on unsafe sources. By 2023, 17.3 million Filipinos were reported without basic sanitation, leading to health risks from waterborne diseases.
This state of water infrastructure highlights the urgency of reform and comprehensive planning, which the IWRM approach aims to address.
NEDA and NWRB, as lead agencies for IWRM implementation, have committed to integrating these strategies into regular government workstreams, policy frameworks, and project execution.
As the IWRM approach enters its implementation phase, the government is expected to see improved coordination among agencies and better resource management, ultimately contributing to the country’s long-term water security.
