October 4, 2024

 

DBM Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman, along with other government officials, signed the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) establishing Public Utilities for Local Water Supply and Sanitation Services (PU-LWSSS). The JMC provides guidelines for Local Government Units (LGUs) to create financially viable and self-sustaining water and sanitation utilities, improving the efficiency and reliability of LGU-operated systems.

 

In her message during the event, Sec. Mina emphasized the significance of the JMC in improving access to clean water and sanitation for all Filipinos. "We understand that the provision of a clean water supply and effective sanitation services is paramount to the health, dignity, and prosperity of our communities. They are more than just a matter of comfort and convenience; they are fundamental basic human rights," she said.

 

She further underscored the administration's commitment to universal access to safe water and sanitation, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She cited several key initiatives that reflect this dedication, including the allocation of more than P17 billion for safe water supply and sanitation projects.

 

Additionally, she stressed the significance of the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling in increasing funding through the Growth and Equity Fund. "The Growth and Equity Fund will support viable water supply projects for LGUs," she explained.

 

Moreover, she discussed the convergence budgeting initiative with NEDA, which provides a strategic framework for water resource management, and expressed her satisfaction with the inclusion of a provision on gender and inclusivity in the joint circular.

 

In line with the Open Government Partnership advocacy, the DBM Secretary likewise mentioned a P1 billion budget under the Local Government Support Fund to provide safe water to underserved communities, in coordination with civil society organizations (CSOs).

 

Secretary Mina reaffirmed the DBM's unified commitment, alongside concerned agencies, local government units, and partner stakeholders, to achieve one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: ensuring universal access to safely managed water supply and sanitation services by 2030. This commitment aligns with the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan, as well as the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

 

The JMC also supports the objectives of the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (PWSSMP) and DENR-WRMO’s Integrated Water Resources Master Plan, focusing on the clustering of LGU-operated water systems to promote economies of scale and enhance financial sustainability.

 

Sec. Pangandaman reiterated DBM’s commitment to providing fiscal and technical support for the establishment of local economic enterprises (LEEs) for water supply and sanitation. “As I would always emphasize, sustainability is key to our Agenda for Prosperity. This is our promise to the Filipino people, especially the future generations,” she ended.

 

Key signatories of the JMC from the concerned agencies include Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos, Jr., National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, and Department of Finance-Bureau of Local Government Finance Director Brenda L. Miranda.

 

Other representatives from the DBM were Undersecretary Wilford Wong and Local Government and Regional Coordination Bureau Director Ryan Lita.