Guidelines in the Creation of Watershed Management Councils

DENR Administrative Order No. 2021-41

Subject: Guidelines in the Creation of Watershed Management Councils

Signed: December 2021 . Published: The Philippine Star, February 11, 2022 . Acknowledged: ONAR, U.P. Law Center, February 11, 2022. Signing day is not fully legible in the source copy.

Purpose

Standardizes the creation of new, and institutionalization of existing, Watershed Management Councils (WMCs) as multi-agency, inter-LGU, multi-sectoral bodies applying a ridge-to-reef approach. Builds on DAO 99-01, DAO 2005-23, and DAO 2008-05.

Coverage

All critical watersheds (drainage areas supporting existing or proposed hydropower, irrigation, or domestic water facilities that need protection or rehabilitation) and proclaimed watershed forest reserves.

Watershed Size Classes

Small: 10,000 ha and below. Medium: 10,000 to 50,000 ha. Large: above 50,000 ha.

Composition

• Provincial WMC: chaired by the PENRO and co-chaired by the Governor, with the PASu, mayors, NIA Irrigation Management Office, RDC-NEDA, PO/IPO representatives, NCIP Provincial Office, DPWH District Engineer, DA, DAR, and the Philippine Association of Water Districts.
• Regional WMC (watersheds spanning provinces): chaired by the DENR RED and co-chaired by the Governor with the largest share and the RDC-NEDA Regional Director, with regional counterparts of the same agencies.
• Watersheds spanning regions are chaired by the RED of the region with the largest portion. Membership may expand to NGOs, irrigators associations, religious groups, and others. NGO and PO members must be locally based and registered for at least three years.
• Existing WMCs are recognized and may conform by resolution. Sample MOAs are provided in Annexes A.1 and A.2.

Functions

• Create a Watershed Management Planning Team to prepare the Integrated Watershed Management Plan, covering protection, rehabilitation, water quality monitoring, and buffer zone delineation.
• Approve the Plan and present it to the RDC for adoption.
• Recommend policy revisions, join monitoring, support enforcement of ENR laws, endorse persons for deputation, and facilitate conflict resolution.
• Coordinate with PAMBs, Water Quality Management Area boards, and other watershed bodies to avoid duplication.
• Adopt internal rules and a Manual of Operations. Decisions are by simple majority based on proportional representation.

Chair and Funding

DENR holds the chairpersonship. Elective officials serve co-terminus with their office. DENR funds WMC creation and operation in its annual budget.

Effectivity

Takes effect 15 days after publication and ONAR acknowledgment.

Relevance: hydropower, irrigation, and water supply projects within critical watersheds should expect to engage the WMC and align with its Integrated Watershed Management Plan. Signed by Secretary Roy A. Cimatu. Summary prepared by EnviSynergy from the official DENR issuance; refer to the full text for binding provisions.