Despite state ownership of water resources, significant gaps in water access persist due to fragmented governance. This Policy Note discusses the prospects for enhancing water access for Filipino households and other stakeholders through repurposing the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) water rights. It highlights the Memorandum of Agreement between NIA, the National Water Resources Board, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Water Resource Management Office as a key initiative aimed at ensuring sustainable water resource management. Further, the Note recommends a programmatic approach to water supply projects, incorporating blended financing and adopting a nationally regulated tariff-setting system. It also emphasizes the importance of hydrologic assessments to estimate long-term irrigation requirements and the potential for private sector involvement in water development. Lastly, conducting forums and roadshows can help address misconceptions about water repurposing and encourage stakeholders to discuss viable technical and institutional reforms.
