MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) should give priority to water supply and sanitation projects in their devolution plans.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said local chief executives should prioritize access to potable water supply in their development projects, especially in waterless communities and far-flung areas, with the implementation of the so-called Mandanas ruling starting next year.
Under Executive Order 138, LGUs were tasked to formulate plans in the assumption of devolved roles and responsibilities from the national government.
The Mandanas ruling increases the share of LGUs in national taxes and revenues.
“The Mandanas ruling challenges LGUs to step up their game in terms of the delivery of essential public services now that they have more resources at their disposal to take care of the needs of their constituents. Among such essentials is the provision of greater access to clean drinking water,” Año said.
The government is looking at bringing universal access to water and sanitation infrastructure and services to every Filipino by 2030 through partnerships with the private sector.