MANILA, Philippines – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed a Record of Discussions on May 26, 2023 to implement the Capacity Building for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Sustainable Development project.
The project, which is valued at approximately USD 2.5 million, will run until 2024. It aims to increase the management and technical skills of institutions involved in the water resources sector in the Philippines.
The initiative supports the strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which indicates that integrated water and resource management is a way to intensify the rehabilitation, protection, and management of the country’s ecosystems.
During the signing ceremony, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan highlighted that the project is imperative for addressing the issues in the water sector caused by weak governance and fragmented systems.
“We must address these shortcomings by embracing effective water governance through integrated water resources management. By harmonizing the planning and management of land, water, and coastal resources, we can overcome these obstacles and create a brighter future for all,” Balisacan said.
KOICA Philippines Country Director Kim Eunsub said that the project was designed to help water agencies implement IWRM reforms and address issues on increasing water demand, insufficient water infrastructure, and rising climate change threats.
“KOICA recognizes the need to enhance the capability of the Philippine government in dealing with challenges and threats in the water sector. Our project was designed to help water agencies implement IWRM reforms and address issues on increasing water demand, insufficient water infrastructure, and rising climate change threats,” Kim said.
He expressed confidence that the project would be able to contribute to the government’s goal of providing universal access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation for Filipinos.
On the Philippine side, NEDA will implement the project in close coordination with the National Water Resources Board, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Local Water Utilities Administration, and the National Irrigation Administration to ensure effective execution.
The implementing bodies will coordinate to establish the Philippines-Korea IWRM Cooperation Roadmap as part of their efforts to achieve the project’s objectives. Furthermore, the project aims to offer training to personnel in the Philippines and dispatch experts from Korea to provide technical advice.
In view of the recent creation of the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), NEDA will also coordinate with the said office to ensure that the successful implementation of the capacity-building project is aligned with the WRMO’s mandate on integrating and harmonizing all government efforts towards ensuring sustainable management of water resources in the country.
The signing of the Record of Discussions is a significant milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to improve water management. The project will provide much-needed support to the government in addressing the challenges in the water sector and achieving its goal of providing universal access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation for Filipinos.