National Water Resources Board (NWRB)

In March 28, 1974 the Government created the National Water Resources
Board (NWRB) to manage the water resources in the country. The NWRB is responsible
for the national coordination and regulation on water resources management and
development.
The NWRB’s three key functions are listed below:

 Policy Formulation and Coordination – (i) Water resources assessment,

(ii) Preservation and conservation of the country’s water resources
 Resource Regulation – (i) Allocation of water rights, (ii) Resolution of water
use conflicts
 Economic Regulation – (i) Regulation and Supervision of Water Utilities
Operation, (ii) Resolution of cases related to the operation of water utilities
operation.
In 1976, Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as the “Water Code of the
Philippines” was enacted. Based on the principles that: (a) “all water belongs to the State”;
and (b) the State may allow the use or development of its waters by administrative
concession", the NWRB was instituted as a “water resource regulator” tasked to regulate
and control the utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of all
water resources.
The specific functions of the NWRB, as a "Water Resource Regulator", include among
others, (a) the issuance water permits for the appropriation, and use of waters; and (b)
adjudication of disputes relating to the appropriation, utilization, exploitation,
development, control and conservation, protection of waters.
The NWRB is advises the National Economic and Development Authority (“NEDA”) on
matters pertaining to water resources development projects and programs.

NWRB MANDATE

The NWRB is the government agency that is responsible for all the water resources in
the Philippines. It coordinates and regulates all water-related activities in the country that
has impact on the physical environment and the economy.

VISION

Sustainable Water for a Healthy Nation

MISSION

The NWRB has the following mission:

• To allocate sufficient water for optimal beneficial use;

• To ensure access to safe water supply and adequate sanitation services; and

•To preserve flow regimes for ecological integrity.