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DAO 2026-35Published August 29, 2026Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Implementation of DENR Water Supply-Related Projects under the Water Resources Management Office

DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-35

Subject: Implementation of DENR Water Supply-Related Projects under the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO)

Signed: August 11, 2026; Published: The Manila Times, August 29, 2026; Acknowledged: ONAR, UP Law Center, September 1, 2026

Legal Basis

Executive Order No. 192 (1987) and Section 1 of Executive Order No. 22, s. 2023, creating the Water Resources Management Office in the DENR.

Objectives

Institutionalize implementation of DENR water supply projects under the WRMO, with clear guidelines for evaluation, implementation, monitoring, and assessment, and defined roles for concerned DENR offices.

Scope

All water supply-related projects implemented, supervised, or supported by the WRMO, including alternative water source development (such as infiltration galleries), water tanks, rainwater harvesting facilities, small water impounding systems, water filtration systems, water refilling stations, water service expansion, and spring development.

Key Provisions

  • Roles: responsibilities are set for the WRMO, the Water Resources Utilization Section of regional Licenses, Patents and Deeds Divisions, and project beneficiaries, who are responsible for effective, lawful, and sustainable operation.
  • Permitting: all projects must comply with laws on environmental management, water resource utilization, and land use, which may include securing an ECC or CNC under PD 1586 and other permits, clearances, and certifications.
  • Implementation modalities: financial assistance, technical assistance, provision of equipment or materials, or a combination, as determined by the Office of the Secretary upon WRMO recommendation.
  • Memoranda of Agreement formalize all engagements with project beneficiaries.
  • Pilot and demonstration projects may be implemented to test innovative approaches and technologies.
  • Calamity assistance: upon LWUA request and WRMO recommendation, DENR may provide technical and financial assistance to Local Water Districts whose systems are damaged in a national calamity.
  • Funding comes from GAA appropriations and other legally available sources; the WRMO leads monitoring and evaluation using indicators such as service coverage.

Effectivity

Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication and upon filing of three certified copies with ONAR and the UP Law Center.

Signed by Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, CESO I. Source: official DENR issuance (DAO-2026-35).

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