Marikina Rep. Miro S. Quimbo has called for the immediate enactment of the proposed National Water Resources Management Act to bolster water security and protect Filipino households and businesses against the threats posed by the El Niño phenomenon.
Quimbo, who serves as chairman of the House committee on ways and means, underscored the urgent need to protect the nation’s water infrastructure. The veteran lawmaker stressed the necessity of building a stronger national management framework, warning that water shortages disrupt everyday life, threaten public health, and harm economic productivity.
“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 said.
“An institutionalized policy will enable a more coordinated and forward-looking approach to managing our water resources, helping ensure that communities have access to a reliable and sustainable water supply, especially during El Niño,” Quimbo added.
The proposed legislation, known as House Bill No. 6789, passed its third and final reading in the House of Representatives on December 22, 2025, and was subsequently transmitted to the Senate.
If enacted, the bill will establish a comprehensive national framework for water resource management while creating the Department of Water Resources and the Water Regulatory Commission to oversee their respective mandates.
Quimbo noted that passing the measure into law would enhance institutional coordination and better prepare the country to handle competing water demands, particularly during extended dry spells and climate-related disruptions.
“When water becomes scarce, families are forced to adjust their daily routines, businesses face operational challenges, and public services can be affected. Access to safe and sufficient water must be treated as a basic necessity that requires long-term planning, effective management, and coordinated action,” Quimbo said.
“Water is essential to practically every aspect of our lives. We cannot afford to take its availability for granted. We need to strengthen our institutions and put in place a long-term framework that will help us manage this vital resource responsibly,” Quimbo also said.
Expressing hope that the Senate will prioritize the bill’s passage, the lawmaker emphasized that a resilient water management system is vital for shielding Filipino families and communities from the severe impacts of a potential Super El Niño.
“Water security is ultimately about making sure that every Filipino family and our communities can withstand the challenges brought by a changing climate. This is an investment we cannot afford to delay,” Quimbo said.