Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday expressed support for the proposed creation of a Department of Water, which will centralize management of the country's water resources and flood-control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has endorsed the initiative during discussions with Congress and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Dizon emphasized the importance of the new department, stating, "We fully support the creation of a separate Department of Water that will handle water resources management. It's very important and we will support this 100 percent," during a Senate hearing on the DPWH's proposed 2026 budget.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito highlighted the proposal's benefits, noting that consolidating all water-related programs under one agency would enhance efficiency and help address the country's recurring issues of flooding and water shortage. Ejercito remarked, "Sa laki nga ng DPWH, hindi niyo na namo-monitor kaya siguro may nakakalusot (Because the DPWH is so large, you're no longer able to monitor everything, that's probably why some irregularities slip through). With a Department of Water, we can manage our resources more effectively -- impounding, storing, and controlling floods."

Additionally, Ejercito advocated for the passage of his proposed Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act. This act aims to institutionalize long-term infrastructure planning and prevent overlapping, wasteful, or anomalous projects. He pointed out the current inefficiency by stating, "We spend about PHP350 billion a year on flood control -- that's around PHP1 billion everyday. But flooding keeps getting worse because projects are scattered and inconsistent. We need a masterplan that continues regardless of who's in power."

Dizon concurred, mentioning that poor coordination has hindered project implementation. He cited the DPWH's development of a Central Luzon Floodway Masterplan, funded by the Asian Development Bank, which is expected to be completed by August 2026. The DPWH chief also confirmed that the agency's proposed 2026 budget of PHP625.78 billion is the lowest since 2020, aligning with the President's directive to rationalize spending and prioritize essential projects.