The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) celebrates an extraordinary milestone in 2023—50 years of unwavering dedication to managing one of life’s most critical resources: water.
Established in 1973 under Presidential Decree 198, LWUA has played a pivotal role in promoting, overseeing, and financing the development of water supply systems in provincial cities and municipalities outside Metro Manila. These efforts, primarily through water districts (WDs), exemplify the government’s resolute commitment to ensuring water security for the nation.
At present, approximately 532 operational WDs serve over 22 million Filipinos across 648 cities and municipalities in the Philippines.
Laying the Foundations for a Water-Secure Future
LWUA emerged as a key funding and support source for WDs, providing diverse loan opportunities for different projects aimed at ensuring profitability, long-term viability, and compliance with legal standards.
The agency emphasized efficient resource allocation and stressed the importance of safe and healthy water provision, aligning with the vision of a water-secure Philippines inspired by successful global water system models. Initiatives like Patubig sa Buong Bayan at Mamamayan (PBBM) were launched to enhance water services for Filipinos.
LWUA’s establishment half a century ago was a transformative moment, underscoring the government’s commitment to securing safe, affordable, and sustainable water access for all Filipinos.
Attorney Vicente “Vince” Homer Revil, LWUA’s current Administrator, stresses the agency’s ongoing mission of ensuring comprehensive water service coverage at all three levels, reaffirming the commitment even after fifty years.
Collaboratively, LWUA and WDs have reached 5.4 million households, encompassing approximately 22.3 million individuals.
LWUA’s financial support for water-related projects, enhanced technical services, and adherence to national laws have ensured safe and potable water for the communities served.
During Atty. Revil’s tenure, LWUA solidified its role as a crucial lending institution, offering financial support for a diverse array of water-related projects.
These initiatives included household connections, watershed management, and essential infrastructure upgrades, significantly extending services to 23 percent of the rural populace. These strategic efforts greatly bolstered LWUA’s success and impact over five decades.
A Golden Celebration
Recently celebrated at the Manila Hotel, LWUA’s 50th-anniversary event was a moment to reflect on past achievements and outline future goals. Atty. Revil revealed short-term and long-term objectives, highlighting the expansion of WDs’ service coverage and the operationalization of financially challenged WDs.
Moreover, the launch of initiatives like Patubig sa Buong Bayan at Mamamayan and the Save Water Advocacy showcased LWUA’s commitment to efficient and sustainable water services for Filipinos.
The commitment to providing safe, sustainable water extends into the next 50 years, with LWUA drawing inspiration from successful water systems abroad.
Atty. Revil emphasized the importance of adequate capital, compliance with laws, and efficient transmission lines, reflecting the commitment to long-term viability, profitability, and safe water provision. The agency is committed to enhancing water security by focusing on river basin development and optimizing water impoundments.
“We have brought water to remote barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces and empowered local communities to take charge of their water supply—ensuring that clean water is not a privilege but a right of every Filipino,” Revil stated during the event, graced by dignitaries, including key government officials such as Senator Francis Tolentino and former DOLE Secretary Silverstre Bello III.
Looking ahead, Atty. Revil outlined LWUA’s vision for the next half-century, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to creating a sustainable water landscape to ensure clean water flows to all.
“As we stand at the threshold of the next half-century, we are filled with anticipation and hope. We will collectively strive to build a water-secure future with the ultimate goal that ‘No one will be left behind,’” he said.
LWUA’s 50th anniversary marked not only a significant milestone but also a testament to its dedicated service, exemplifying the unwavering commitment to providing vital water resources to the Filipino people.
In closing his speech, Revil hopes LWUA’s legacy will inspire the agency’s robust workforce to work together in shaping a sustainable water landscape for our country.
“Together, we can craft a future where clean water flows to all,” Revil concluded.