Aquino orders transfer of LWUA to DPWH

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the transfer of the Local Water Utilities Administration from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Aquino issued the order through Executive Order No. 62, which he signed last Oct. 26, according to a Malacañang statement released Sunday. In his EO, Aquino cited a need for “a concerted and well-coordinated effort in formulating policies as well as planning and implementing programs and projects for the water sector." He noted the DPWH is “mandated to ensure that the planning, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities, such as national highways, flood control and water resource development systems, are in accordance with the highest level of safety and efficiency and in line with the overall national development objectives." Aquino also authorized the DPWH to exercise administrative supervision over LWUA and to continue to implement reforms to ensure efficient flow of resources into the sector, thereby facilitating the implementation of projects therein. He tasked the secretaries of Finance, Public Works and Highways, and Health departments, serving in ex-officio capacity, to sit as members of the LWUA Board of Trustees representing the national government. “The foregoing ex-officio members may designate their respective alternates who shall be officials next-in-rank, and whose acts shall be considered the acts of their principals," he said. He likewise tasked the DPWH Secretary to convene the Inter-Agency Committee on the Water Sector “to design and recommend to the President a water sector master plan which will effectively address all the issues and concerns of the water sector." The Committee will also recommend the appropriate organizational structure of all concerned agencies for the effective implementation of the water sector master plan. The Committee on Water Sector includes: